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SIGNS OF
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Cancer
Symptoms of cancer can
depend on many things, in-
cluding where in the body the
disease is, how big a tumor might be
and whether the cancer has spread.
For instance, a tumor pressing on
an organ can cause pain. Cancer can
also sap the body’s energy, resulting in
fatigue. And the disease can weaken
the immune system, leading to recur-
rent infections.
The American Cancer Society and
other experts list the following com-
mon signs and symptoms of cancer.
Some are general to cancer as a whole;
others are specific to certain types:
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Unexplained weight loss of
10 pounds or more.
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Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
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Pain.
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Change in bowel or bladder habits.
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Sores that don’t heal.
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Change in the appearance of skin.
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Unusual bleeding or discharge.
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Thickening or a lump in a breast,
testicle or other area of the body.
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Hoarseness, nagging cough or
trouble swallowing.
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3
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the
most common form of
the disease, and it mainly
affects adults.
There is no cure for diabe-
tes, but treating it early can
help prevent or reduce the risk
of serious complications—like
damage to the eyes, nerves,
heart and kidneys, accord-
ing to the American Diabetes
Association.
Signs and symptoms of
diabetes include:
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Frequent urination.
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Extreme thirst or hunger.
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Unusual weight loss.
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Extreme fatigue and
irritability.
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Frequent infections, espe-
cially of the gums, skin or
bladder.
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Blurred vision.
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Tingling or numbness in the
hands or feet.
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Sores that are slow to heal.
DISEASES
YOU
SHOULDN’T IGNORE
Heart disease
Heart disease
is a
broad term for several
different diseases that af-
fect the heart, including coro-
nary artery disease (CAD).
With CAD, plaque builds
up in the arteries that supply
the heart with blood. This can
cause the arteries to narrow,
reducing or even block-
ing blood flow to the heart,
reports the American Heart
Association.
The most common
symptom of CAD is angina—
a type of chest pain or
discomfort that tends to
get worse with activity and go
away with rest. Angina pain
may also be felt in the shoul-
ders, arms, neck, jaw or back.
Another common symp-
tom of CAD is shortness of
breath, which happens when
CAD triggers heart failure.
With heart failure, the heart
doesn’t pump blood as well as
it should.
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Be sure to see
your doctor
Keep in mind that having one or more of
any of these signs or symptoms doesn’t
mean you have a serious disease. But it’s a
good idea to let your doctor give you that
reassuring news.