Ways To Detect Cancer Early

Low Blood Count

Unexplained low blood count or anemia may be an indication of cancer in an early stage. Anemia is characterized by a lower than average number of red blood cells in the body. Many causes of anemia exist, such as iron deficiency. However, some types of cancer are known causes of anemia, particularly bowel cancers. Doctors may perform an endoscopy, colonoscopy, or X-ray of their patient's intestinal tract to rule out cancer. Either way, it is essential to have a low blood count investigated to determine the cause and subsequent treatment, even if cancer turns out to not be the cause. Even anemia due to low iron needs treatment so patients can live a healthy life.

Lumps

About ninety percent of men with testicular cancer have a slightly uncomfortable or painless lump on a testicle. Similarly, many breast cancers are diagnosed early by the detection of a lump on or in the breast. Other common symptoms of these types of cancer include a swollen testicle or unusual breast discharge. In the majority of cases, a biopsy will be taken to rule out cancer. Men and women should perform routine self-examinations to check for lumps. If anyone is unsure of how to perform one, they can consult their primary doctor for instructions. There are several ways to perform a self-examination, so patients can pick which works for them.