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4 Early Signs Of Cancer Common In Black Folks
Understanding cancer is no easy feat.
Even to this day, there seem to be more mysteries than ever imagined, with every new discovery leading to new questions and concerns. That's not to say there aren't innovative treatments and prevention strategies. It simply means that cancer, in all its forms and presentations, will continue to challenge.
Fortunately, doctors and patients are rising to that challenge.
In Black patients especially, cancer is becoming better understood and treated. Given that cancers such as colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer are more common in Black patients, many specialists are now targeting these diseases like never before.
The first step in that process is identification.
So let's dive right in. Here are four early signs of potential cancer that all Black patients can look out for…
1. Unexplained Weight LossJust because Black cancer patients face healthcare disparities doesn't mean they need to be left out in the cold. If you're worried that your health issues or changes may be something more than a passing problem, check the mirror.
Are you experiencing effortless weight loss? While this may be a nice thing for people struggling to shed pounds, continued weight loss of 10 or more lbs (over a short period) is nothing to be happy about. Especially if it comes without any diet or exercise changes.
The reason unexplained weight loss may be from cancer is due to the development of tumors, or oncogenesis. When tumors develop, they often increase your metabolism which means that your body is burning more calories, even when you're doing nothing.
In the case of colorectal and pancreatic cancers, these diseases can interfere with your body's ability to absorb nutrients, which may also lead to unexplained weight loss. Even your immune system can lead to weight loss, contributing to the breakdown of muscle and fat.
So keep an eye out. Note any unexplained weight loss over weeks and months, and especially monitor your appetite. If your appetite has drastically changed or you feel full rapidly, it may be a sign of something more.
Finally, look out for trouble swallowing or constant nausea. When this happens, it may lead to cancers of the stomach and esophagus – so contact your doctor immediately if this persists.
If your bathroom habits change and are accompanied by ongoing fatigue, you should contact a healthcare provider for early screening. Many Black adults are diagnosed at later stages, so it's best to get to the doctor earlier just to be safe.
RELATED: 13 Signs You May Be Living with Cancer
2. Chronic FatigueThere's fatigue, then there is cancer fatigue.
Unlike transient fatigue that we all experience, cancer-related fatigue is significantly more severe, even debilitating. It lasts for days, weeks, and months, and usually won't improve even if you rest or sleep better.
The reason cancer leads to fatigue is that cancer cells like to fight your normal, healthy cells for nutrients. If the cancer cells start to win that battle, you'll start to lose energy and notice fatigue.
Another reason is the development of tumors, which can reduce the number of red blood cells in your blood. This lack of red blood cells (anemia) may then cause problems with your bone marrow, which can limit the oxygen supply throughout your body.
And finally, there's the inflammatory response. When the body has cancer, inflammation can drain your energy rather quickly. This is because your body is dedicating resources to trying to reduce inflammation, leaving little for important daily activities.
If you're perpetually tired despite improved sleep, have trouble concentrating and performing normal tasks, and find that you're struggling to breathe (with pale skin), seek medical guidance right away.
3. Changes in SkinSkin is your largest organ, and what it tells us about human health is vital.
Although skin cancers such as melanoma occur in Black folks far less frequently than in white folks, that simply means that they can catch you off guard. Because of this, many skin cancers in Black patients are diagnosed at a later stage when it may already be too late.
In other words, early detection and screening are crucial. And even if there isn't a skin cancer present, changes in your skin may indicate that there is something else going on, inside your body.
When checking for melanoma, look in areas you wouldn't expect, such as those that don't see much sunlight. The palms, soles, and fingernails are all spots where malignant moles and growths can fester. Even itchy or scaly patches may indicate some type of blood cancer (though in most cases, they don't).
If your skin turns yellow, or your eyes turn yellow, that too can indicate a problem such as jaundice, which may be a sign of liver or pancreatic cancer.
Overall, it's important to examine your skin daily for any abnormalities. Dark spots, mole changes, or bleeding growths that won't heal are all possible signs of cancer. So too is persistent itching leading to redness and rashes with no known cause.
For Black individuals, the smartest thing you can do is go to a doctor routinely. Make sure to have 'hidden' areas of your body checked thoroughly and don't shy away from a good dermatologist. You'll be happy you didn't!
RELATED: 4 Early Signs That Cancer Is Spreading
4. Bowel/Urinary ChangesSometimes, you eat the wrong thing and you know it.
But occasional gastrointestinal issues aside, lasting changes in your bowel and urinary habits may indicate something far beyond what you ate or didn't.
For Black patients, changes in gastrointestinal patterns may be a sign of colorectal or prostate cancers, both of which affect the Black community at disproportionately high rates.
If cancer is the cause, it's usually due to three reasons.
These include:
When determining whether your bowel and urinary changes are due to cancer, it's important that you look at your habits. Are you having constant diarrhea, constipation, or the sense that your bowels are never completely emptying?
Does your stool have a noticeable change in appearance? Notable patterns include dark and tarry stools, and thin almost ribbon-like stools.
Your urine will also undergo unique changes. Is it persistently discolored and do you have difficulty starting or stopping? Is it hard to get a 'strong' stream? Do you constantly have to go, especially during the night?
Given that Black men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as white men, it's always important to get screened. Regular visits for PSA tests are the best way to detect early problems before they become something severe.
Overall, don't hesitate to visit a healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Even if everything feels fine, you should make a habit of having routine examinations once you reach a certain age. Discuss with your doctor any issues, craft a personalized treatment plan, and never hesitate to ask questions.
Being aware and informed – as simple as that may sound – can have a profound effect on your health and future health outcomes.
Life's a lesson. Never stop learning!
Men's Health: Signs To Get Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Individual risk factors can vary based on age, race, and other variables. However, early detection is crucial, as it ensures effective treatment before the cancer advances and spreads to other organs. While prostate cancer is often asymptomatic, regular screening is essential. However, if symptoms do appear, prompt testing and medical attention are crucial for early diagnosis and better outcomes. Read to know all about the warning signs and when to get screened for prostate cancer.
Also Read: What Young Men Need To Know About Prostate Cancer Prevention: Tips To Reduce Risk
At What Age Should Men Get Themselves Screened For Prostate Cancer?"In general, high-risk individuals, such as those of African descent, those with a family history of prostate cancer or multiple cancers, those with Lynch syndrome, or those with known high-risk germline mutations like BRCA2, should begin annual Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screenings for prostate cancer by the age of 45," says Dr Pratik Patil, Consultant - Oncology, Jupiter Hospital, Pune.
He added, "For males at average risk, screenings should begin no later than 50 years after a thorough discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of such testing. The testing should continue until the patients are 70-75 years old.
"Due to the substantial variability of PSA testing findings, it is advisable to collect two different specimens before undertaking additional investigations in individuals with abnormal PSA increases."
Warning Signs To Get A Prostate Cancer ScreeningEarly-stage prostate cancer is rarely symptomatic. However, when the condition progresses, the condition may cause certain symptoms, such as:
Screening for men at low to moderate risk may begin between the ages of 45. Men of low to moderate risk, aged 55-69, may be screened every 2-4 years.
Men 75 years or older with a PSA <3 ng/mL may have their rescreening interval extended or possibly stopped.
Also Read: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Expert Explains When, Why, And How Often Should You Be Screened?
Factors That Increase The Risk Of Prostate CancerSome of the most common risk factors for prostate cancer include:
In addition to identifying the signs, there are various tests that can help confirm prostate cancer. Screening tests can reveal whether you have symptoms of prostate cancer that necessitate additional testing. These include:
If you have high PSA levels, it might suggest malignancy. However, an elevated PSA level does not necessarily mean prostate cancer. PSA levels grow even if you have benign illnesses like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as prostate enlargement, or prostatitis, a condition that causes inflammation or infection of the prostate gland.
ConclusionProstate cancer can be life-threatening, especially if detected late or left untreated. Early warning signs are crucial for timely detection, and screening tests play a key role in confirming the condition. Regular and timely screenings are essential for early diagnosis. Don't wait for pain or severe symptoms to appear; prioritise your prostate health and schedule regular check-ups for early intervention.
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
The Early Prostate Cancer Symptoms That Appear When You Go To The Toilet
Prostate cancer often presents no obvious symptoms, but there are certain signs to look out for when using the toilet.
Prostate cancer develops slowly, often going undetected for many years. One in eight men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Approximately 78% of those diagnosed will survive for 10 or more years, but survival rates largely depend on how early the disease is detected.
If you experience any of the following seven symptoms, it's recommended to consult your doctor about prostate-specific antigen screening. When diagnosed at its earliest stage, 100% of people with prostate cancer will survive their disease for five years or more.
Leading urologist Petr Holy, from Men's Health Clinic in Kingston, spoke exclusively to the Mirror, offering his insights into the key symptoms to spot when going to the toilet and explaining how treatment works if you have been diagnosed.
A more urgent urge to pee or a slow flow are two things to look out for (Image: Getty)"While changes in toilet habits can sometimes be a temporary issue caused by factors such as diet and lifestyle, they can also be one of the first signs of a prostate problem," says Mr Holy.
"An urgent need to wee, more frequent trips to the toilet, a slow or interrupted flow and a feeling of still needing to urinate even when you have finished are among the most common red flags."
"It's vital for men to be on alert for any of these changes and seek advice from an expert if it becomes a pattern."
Other symptoms of prostate cancerTreatment options and recommendations for prostate cancer are dependent on a variety of factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, potential side effects, as well as the patient's overall health and personal preferences.
"Prostate cancer can be effectively treated if detected early enough, and an early diagnosis often leads to a better outcome," Mr Holy added.
The NHS states: "Prostate cancer does not usually cause any symptoms until the cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra)."
Men are advised to consult their GP if they exhibit any symptoms of the disease, as self-diagnosis is not possible. Even if they do not have prostate disease or cancer, it is best to seek confirmation from a medical professional.
Prostate Cancer UK advises: "You may want to speak to your GP if you're over 50, or over 45 if you have a family history of prostate cancer or are a black man, even if you don't have any symptoms.
"These are all things that can increase your risk of prostate cancer. Your GP can provide more information or tests if necessary."
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