The top three most common cancers – how to spot the signs
At Dental Review we have frequently reported the main symptoms of mouth cancer which can affect any part of your mouth including the gums, tongue, inside the cheeks, or lips. Spotting symptoms early offers the best chance of complete recovery. Here we refresh your memories regarding the symptoms of mouth cancer, then we review the top three most common cancers to be diagnosed.
Mouth Cancer
According to the NHS website, symptoms can include:
• A mouth ulcer in your mouth that lasts more than three weeks
• A red or white patch inside your mouth
• A lump inside your mouth or on your lip
• Pain inside your mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty speaking or a hoarse (croaky) voice
• A lump in your neck or throat
• Losing weight without trying
But, despite the shocking fact that 8864 people in the UK were diagnosed with mouth cancer last year, and 3034 people in the UK lost their life – and that worldwide Mouth Cancer affects in the region of 650,000 people per year – mouth cancer is not amongst the most common forms of the disease. (Statistics thanks to the Mouth Cancer Foundation)
The top three most-diagnosed cancers worldwide might surprise you, but the warning signs are easier to spot than you might think and thanks to a spokesperson from Usay Compare we are able to share the warning signs with you.
Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world. In recent years, breast cancer has made up around 12.5% of diagnoses, 12.2% were for lung cancer, and 10.7% for colorectal cancer. Since detecting these cancers early can mean the difference between life and death, knowing the symptoms off by heart and checking for them regularly is crucial.
The following are the most common symptoms of the three most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide.
Breast Cancer
Warning signs:
• Breast swelling or new lumps
• Irregular nipple discharge that may be bloody
• Texture changes or rash on the skin around the breast and nipple
Around 2.26 million people were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 alone, and an estimated 684,996 women around the world passed away from the disease in the same year. One of the best ways to detect breast cancer early is to conduct regular self-checks. Every person who has breasts should be familiar with their texture, size, and shape so that if any abnormalities appear, they will be detected right away.
Lung Cancer
Warning signs:
• Persistent breathlessness
• A bad cough that lasts longer than three weeks and that worsens over time
• A loss of appetite or rapid unintended weight loss
There are around 34,800 lung cancer deaths each year in the UK, and 134,592 people died of lung cancer in the US in 2021 alone. When lung cancer is caught early, it is less likely to spread, which is something that happens frequently in patients who have later-stage lung cancer. Because the lungs are centrally located in the body, their cancerous cells can spread to other organs like the liver, so the sooner changes in the lungs are addressed, the better your chances of survival.
Colorectal Cancer
Warning signs:
• Bloody stools
• Frequently needing a bowel movement
• A lump in the lower abdominal area
Patients who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer tend to be in their sixties, with the average age of diagnosis in men and women being 66. (Editor’s note, this is incredibly accurate. I was diagnosed with this in August 2023 at the age of 66. It was caught early and I am now clear) However, around 10% of diagnoses occur in people under fifty, and young adults are experiencing an increase in colorectal cancer, meaning spreading awareness of the disease is of the utmost importance.
In 2020, nearly 1.9 million people worldwide were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, while around 50,000 die of the disease each year in the US. Colorectal cancer can often be cured if caught early, so being vigilant in monitoring your bowel movements and abdominal health is essential, as one in 24 adults will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime.
If you're worried about how poor health might affect your livelihood, getting private medical insurance (PMI) can help. Being covered by PMI ensures you'll get access to the very best treatment as soon as possible.
You can find out more about private medical insurance at Usay Compare, visit https://www.usaycompare.co.uk/.
Photos from Pixabay and Unsplash.
