The experts say that if you feel a lump, you shouldn’t ignore it, even if your mammogram is normal! Or, if your nipple gets scaly or starts flaking, that could indicate Paget’s disease of the nipple, which is linked to an underlying cancer in about 95% of cases. Any milky or bloody nipple discharge should also be checked out. You should be very careful and if you notice dimpling of the skin over the breast, particularly if it looks like the skin on an orange – you should see your doctor immediately.

-Irregular Bleeding

Here’s what you need to know – once you hit menopause (defined as 12 months without a period), any postmenopausal bleeding is a warning sign. Any bleeding, staining, little drops on your underwear, or big clots are abnormal and should be immediately investigated.

-Rectal Bleeding

According to the latest statistics, the experts say that the colon cancer is the third most common cancer in women. One of the hallmarks is rectal bleeding, which many people link to hemorrhoids, the most common cause. Red or dark blood in your stool warrants a visit to your doctor.

-Discharge

The experts say that a foul or smelly vaginal discharge could be a symptom of cervical cancer. You should also know that the discharge may contain blood and may occur between periods or after menopause. It’s best not to self-treat a discharge with over-the-counter medications.

-Bloating

Did you know that the ovarian cancer is the No. 1 killer of all the reproductive-organ cancers? These are the most common ovarian cancer symptoms: bloating, feeling that you’re getting full, earlier than you typically would when eating, changing bowel or bladder habits, such as urinating more frequently, low back or pelvic pain.

-Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss

You shouldn’t be worried if you suddenly put on 5 pounds, but gaining excess weight month to month — especially if you usually maintain a normal weight and watch what you eat — can be due to a buildup of fluid in the belly related to ovarian cancer and warrants a checkup with your doctor. The American Cancer Society says, and is most often linked withpancreatic, stomach,esophagus, or lung cancer.

-Persistent Cough

Any persistent cough — one that lasts more than 2 or 3 weeks and is not due to an allergy or upper respiratory infection, or one that produces blood — needs to be checked by your doctor.If your cough may be caused by smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke, get it checked out, because smoking is the number one cancer killer of women. Unfortunately, the bad thing is that you don’t have to be a smoker to be at risk. The majority of lung cancers that nonsmokers get also occur in women.

-Change in Lymph Nodes

You should be very careful and if you feel hard lymph nodes in your neck or under your arm, you should be seen by a doctor.Swollen, firm lymph nodes are often caused by an infection.But lymphoma or lung, breast, head, or neck cancer that has spread can also show up as an enlarged lymph node.

-Fatigue

What’s fatigue – it’s extreme tiredness that does not get better with rest. So if you’re often fatigued. Leukemia, colon, or stomach cancer — which can cause blood loss — can result in fatigue.Fatigue can be a serious problem and it’s easy to ignore.

-Skin Changes

Keep an eye on any changes you notice on your skin all over your body, and call your doctor right away if anything concerns you.Sores in the mouth that don’t heal — especially if you smoke or drink alcohol — may be signs of oral cancer and should be checked by your doctor.

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