Cancer Library
Worried about lung cancer? Here’s three ways to reduce your risk.
While most people are diagnosed with cancer after they experience one or more signs or symptoms, there are some people who are stunned to find out they have cancer without having noticed any symptoms at all.
Cancer is a word that brings fear to many people, and you’ll often hear of people being diagnosed while asymptomatic. This means that the cancer has developed in a part of the body which has no symptoms, or symptoms are not felt at the time.
Someone with cancer doesn’t have to have symptoms. If you have asymptomatic cancer, you might only find out when an X-ray or other diagnostic test reveals the problem.
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Some symptoms of cancer can be vague and can be easily mistaken for other health conditions. Also, you might only notice symptoms at a later stage of development when the cancer starts to affect other parts of the body.
Because of cancer’s ability to “hide in plain sight”, it’s important to keep up with recommended cancer screening tests, which can detect cancers at a very early stage, even before they’ve caused any obvious symptoms. In Aotearoa New Zealand, there are national screening programmes for breast, cervical and bowel cancer.
What are the signs and symptoms of cancer?
The signs and symptoms of cancer are varied and can range from mild to severe. A lump is one possible symptom that may be felt or seen on the body, but this isn’t always the case. Cancer Society NZ notes that possible warning signs can also include unexplained weight change, a new or changed cough that won’t go away, unusual bleeding, tiredness, and changes in bowel habits.
Other common cancer symptoms include:
• Unexplained pain that doesn’t go away
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Weight loss or gain for no known reason
• Persistent sore throat or cough
• Unexplained bleeding or blood
• Headaches or blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Dizziness and nausea
• A sore or skin growth that is slow to heal or changes in size and shape
• Breast changes
Which cancers are hardest to detect?
There are many types of cancer that can grow in the body without causing noticeable symptoms. These are sometimes called silent cancers. Some cancers can be more difficult to detect at an early stage because their symptoms can be vague or may not appear until the cancer has grown further.
Lung cancer
While some people with lung cancer do experience symptoms, these can be non-specific and could be dismissed as other conditions. As a result, lung cancers are often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Brain cancer
Brain cancer can be difficult to detect because it can take various forms. Symptoms are often vague and non-specific.
Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages, which can make early detection difficult. This is why regular cervical screening is important.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal, or bowel, cancer can be hard to detect in the early stages, which is why Aotearoa New Zealand has a National Bowel Screening Programme to help detect bowel cancer early.
Ovarian cancer
Sometimes called a silent cancer, ovarian cancer symptoms can be very non-specific and similar to other common conditions. Cancer Society NZ notes that there are often no signs of early-stage ovarian cancer.
How long can you have cancer without knowing it?
While some cancers grow very quickly, others are slower growing and may go undetected for years. How long cancer can be present without symptoms depends on the type of cancer, where it is in the body, and how quickly it grows.
If you receive a cancer diagnosis, we are here to help. You can find out how to become a patient at Bowen Icon Cancer Centre or request more information from our centre.
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References
Disclaimer
Content found on the Bowen Icon Cancer Centre website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. For personalised medical guidance, please consult with your GP or another qualified healthcare provider.
