8 Cancer Red Flags Your Doc Should Never Ignore
It's possible to have one or more of these and not have cancer, but why take the chance? Dr. Shapley says doctors should follow up at once to pinpoint the cause.
Rectal Bleeding
"Piles (hemorrhoids) are very common, and for every 1,000 people at home with the symptoms of "rectal bleeding," less than one will have cancer," Dr. Mark Shapley of Keele University in England told CBS News in an email.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, the protein that delivers oxygen to tissues throughout the body.
A deficiency can be caused by all sorts of conditions that aren't cancer, including heavy menstrual periods, ulcers, and a diet that is too low in iron. But since iron-deficiency anemia can also be evidence of colon cancer, it's essential that doctors take steps to find out the specific cause.
Breast Lump
"Positive" Rectal Exam
The good news is most men who go for additional testing do not have prostate cancer.
Blood in Urine
Don't assume that just because urine isn't red it doesn't contain blood. In some cases, urine that appears normal contains red blood cells. Doctors can detect this "microscopic" hematuria via urinalysis.
Coughing Up Blood
The blood that comes up often appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. Doctors call the condition hemoptysis, and its cause should always be pinpointed.
Swallowing Difficulty
Doctors should always follow up to find the root of the problem, which can also be caused by acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - or simply a severe sore throat.