EARLY DETECTION, THE BEST PROTECTION

When cancer is detected early, your chances of successful treatment increase. It’s important to see your primary-care provider to help identify any potential health concerns.

Cancer can create a wide variety of signs and symptoms, and sometimes you won’t feel any changes in your body until the cancer has spread and is pressing on nearby nerves or organs. Anyone who has concerning symptoms should contact his or her provider immediately to get any needed tests.

Potential signs and symptoms:

• Changes in breast, bladder, mouth, skin, weight or bowels

• Bleeding or bruising for no known reason

• Swelling or lumps anywhere

• Fever, cough or fatigue that is severe and lasting

• Eating problems, including appetite changes, nausea, belly pain or chronic indigestion

• Neurological problems, including headaches, seizures, vision or hearing changes

Source: National Cancer Institute

“The greatest benefit of making cancer screening a permanent part of your health care routine is that these tests can find signs of cancer before you have any symptoms. Talk with your health care provider to make an informed choice about which screening tests are right for you and when to get them.