[Sportschosun, Jang Jong-ho] As people get older, fatigue and aches are often seen as a natural part of aging. However, some symptoms may not be caused by aging at all, but could instead be warning signs of serious diseases, including cancer.
In a recent interview with the New York Post, Dr. Zad Chahoud, a medical oncologist in the United States, said, "Older patients often assume that any physical change is due to aging rather than illness." He added, "In many cases, when they are later diagnosed with cancer, they realize the symptoms had already been present for weeks or months, but they had dismissed them as aging, stress, menopause, or a past injury."
He advised, "There is no need to worry about every symptom, but if an unexplained change lasts for several weeks, you should definitely consult a medical professional."
The first major symptom to watch for is persistent fatigue.
Fatigue, lethargy, or reduced concentration that does not improve even after enough rest may simply be the result of overwork or aging. But it can also be linked to several cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), renal cell carcinoma, Leukemia, and Lymphoma.
Dr. Chahoud explained, "If fatigue is far more severe than expected for your level of activity and does not improve with rest, it can be a warning sign."
The second is unintentional weight loss.
If your weight drops even though you have not changed your diet or exercise routine, it could be an early symptom of pancreatic cancer, Lung cancer, Stomach cancer, or colorectal cancer (CRC).
Experts advise getting checked if more than 5% of body weight is lost over six to 12 months without any clear reason.
The third is a change in bowel habits.
Constipation or diarrhea can also be caused by changes in diet, but colorectal cancer (CRC) cannot be ruled out. You should be cautious if the thickness, shape, frequency, or regularity of your stools changes from before.
In particular, pencil-thin stools can appear when a tumor near the end of the colon or inside the intestine is affecting the passage.
The fourth is abnormal urination.
Frequent urination, waking up several times at night to use the bathroom, and blood in the urine are often dismissed as signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia or aging. But they can also be symptoms of bladder cancer, renal cell carcinoma, or Prostate cancer. If these symptoms keep recurring, it is best to seek specialized care.
The last is persistent pain, including back pain.
Most pain is not related to cancer, but unexplained pain that continues or gradually worsens may be linked to cancers in various organs, including the bones, kidneys, or pancreas.
Dr. Chahoud emphasized, "Aging itself does not cause a sudden decline in bodily function." He added, "If symptoms do not go away or become worse, and they are accompanied by weight loss, bleeding, chronic fatigue, or a decline in physical function, you must find out the cause."
Jang Jong-ho bellho@sportschosun.com
