As health-conscious seniors, we know that the best possible solution to beating cancer is through prevention or even early detection. Although there is no known cause of cancer to prevent as of the moment, health care providers aim for early detection as much as possible since cancer, in early stages has higher survival rate and it is easier to manage and defeat.

We can detect cancer; that is if we know exactly what we are looking for and if we are conscious enough of how our own body works. By staying alert and vigilant of whatever changes that are occurring to our body, we have better chances of surviving the said disease. Actually, doctors worldwide recommend seniors to undergo preventive health measures such as screenings and tests since seniors tend to succumb to the disease at a faster rate than younger ones. Here are some cancer signs that you might want to know about:

·    Chronic stomach problems should be addressed at once, no matter how trivial it seemed. Frequent stomach ache could signify something more fatal than a regular digestive disorder. A normal digestive disorder is a reaction therefore it should have a preceding event that would trigger it while in a chronic stomachache, it just goes on and off in random times and intensity. When you experience constant or chronic stomach pain, it is best to seek help from a doctor at once just so you would know what’s happening in there. Some types of cancer with noted symptom of stomach pains are colon cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and leukemia. Stomach pains vary from acid stomach, dull aches, stomach cramps, and abdominal pains.
·    Take note of your bowel movements as well. Abnormalities in such areas could signify a cancer among your internal organs. This includes rectal bleeding, diarrhea, constipation and irregular bowel movements. On the other hand, difficulties in urinating could be a symptom of prostate cancer.
·    Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite; although this is one of the most common attributes of a disease, it could also signify cancer most likely spreading all throughout the body and in return, affects your appetite. Difficulty in swallowing could sometimes be more than just a sore throat so it pays to have it checked especially if it’s already giving you a hard time. If you are experiencing this, note the color of your stool and urine as well before consulting a doctor.
·    One of the most apparent signs of liver cancer is yellowing of the skin, also referred to as jaundice. The same goes for pancreatic cancer in later stages.
·    Aside from lung cancer, a cancer that manifests itself first in other internal organs could also affect your lungs causing you to have difficulties in breathing such as shortness of breath. Try to take note of your usual energy level and consult a doctor at once if it changes abruptly and without an apparent cause.
·    Take some time to study your nails. Usually, when something is upsetting your system, your nails are the first ones to bear signs.