C-Network reminds women to undergo cancer screening

MANILA, Philippines - In celebration of Women’s Month, C-Network urges women everywhere to take it upon themselves to be empowered in controlling their health. It means taking stock of their health and undergoing screening against cancer.

Simple steps such as staying away from tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limited alcohol intake, skin protection from harmful UV rays, scheduling regular check-ups and screening are things one can do on a regular basis.

Cancer screening should also start with nurturing your body and acting immediately when something goes wrong.

Take note of some symptoms that women should never ignore:

• Fever

The American Cancer Society warned that fever that does not come from influenza or any other infection could also point out to early blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma. Other cancer symptoms can include jaundice or a change in the color of the stool.

Doctor recommendations may include a careful physical exam, a review of medical history, and then order screening tests such as a chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or other tests, depending on the findings.

• Chronic tiredness or fatigue

Chronic tiredness or fatigue may be another vague symptom that could point to cancer — as well as a host of other problems. It can set in after the cancer has grown, but it may also occur early in certain cancers, such as leukemia or with some colon or stomach cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.

• A cough that does not go away

Coughs are usually expected when one has colds, the flu, allergies or as a side effect of some medications. But a very prolonged cough — defined as lasting more than three or four weeks — should not be ignored.

You would expect your doctor to take a careful history, examine your throat, check out your lung functioning and perhaps order X-rays, especially if you are a smoker.

• Sudden weight loss

Many women will be happy to lose weight without even trying. However, unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more within a month’s time, without an increase in exercise or a decrease in food intake, should be checked out. Expect your doctor to run tests to check the thyroid.

• Bloating

Bloating is a common complaint among women. But it could also be symptomatic of ovarian cancer, especially combined with other symptoms such as abdominal pain or pelvic pain, feeling full quickly — even when you haven’t eaten much — and urinary problems, such as having an urgent need to go to the bathroom.

If the bloating occurs almost every day and persists for more than a few weeks, you should consult your physician.

• Breast changes

Most women already know their breasts very well, and can instinctively look out for lumps. However, one may miss out on other symptoms such as redness and thickening of the skin in the breast area. A rash that persists over weeks should be evaluated.

Other breast changes to take note of are unusual discharges when not lactating and changes in the nipples. Nipples that are naturally inverted should not be a concern, but if it is outgoing normally, and then suddenly turns in, this may be a worrisome symptom.

If you have breast changes, expect your doctor to take a careful history, examine the breast, and order tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, and perhaps a biopsy.

A woman’s natural instinct can be a big help in screening out against cancer. Listen to your body and notice anything that’s different, odd, or unexplainable. You need to be aware of what to look for and when to seek help.

Continue to work hard to keep those resolutions of having a healthy weight, eating good food and getting into that desired dress size. But don’t forget to get your recommended health checkups and cancer screenings. If symptoms you experience are persistent or bothersome, have them checked by a physician.