Cancer develops due to the rapid mutation of cells. The condition is typically progressive in nature, and factors like age, lifestyle, and location of the tumor determine the spread and severity of symptoms. When such abnormal cell growth develops in the colon—a part of the large intestine, it can cause gastrointestinal problems and other health issues. Here, understanding the common signs of colon cancer can help get an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early signs The colon and rectum are two organs connected to the digestive tract. While the colon collects and stores all the foods processed by the small and large intestines, the rectum removes these stored foods through bowel movements. Both parts must function together to enable seamless bowel movement. However, when dealing with cancer, the growth of the tumor affects the key functions of these organs, leading to the following early signs: Nausea and vomiting Most conditions that develop in the digestive tract trigger nausea and vomiting. So, this type of discomfort is one of the early signs of colon cancer as well. As cancer grows, it can result in blockage in the bowels, forcing the solids and liquids to back up into the digestive tract, triggering nausea and vomiting that could last over 24 hours.

With everyone increasingly consuming processed foods, excessive sugar consumption has become a global health concern. The increased intake of packaged foods, snacks, and sugary beverages poses a significant risk for several health problems, including heart disease. In addition, increased sugar consumption can lead to diabetes, hypertension, and other health disorders. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the following early signs of heart disease due to excess sugar to take preventive measures. Insulin resistance Insulin is the hormone that controls the levels of glucose or sugar in the blood. The body’s cells cannot effectively respond to the hormone when insulin resistance develops. As a result, glucose cannot get into cells and starts accumulating in the blood. Excess sugar consumed through meals and snacks increases the possibility of insulin resistance. It directly increases the risk of heart disease as well. High blood pressure One of the first signs that indicate the risk of heart disease due to excess sugar is high blood pressure levels. When consuming high sugar daily, one develops insulin resistance, leading to an elevated blood pressure level. This impacts the arteries and the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. So it is imperative to check your blood pressure levels.

Cancer is a health complication that triggers cell mutations in various parts of the body, including the prostate – a gland that is part of the male reproductive system. There are several signs of prostate cancer, and each could differ from one individual to the next. However, people often misidentify the symptoms as those of other health complications. Therefore, here are ten subtle warning signs of prostate cancer to help diagnose the disease and seek treatment at the earliest. Poor and weak urine flow The bladder may suffer from the poor and weak flow of urine for several reasons, including aging. However, the sign isn’t always linked to prostate cancer. If the symptom starts to show itself when one is younger or without any underlying conditions, one should speak to an expert and receive a diagnosis. The slow and weak flow of urine is a silent warning sign of prostate cancer that requires healthcare attention. Leaving the condition unchecked and untreated may result in the spread of the cancer-causing cells to other parts of the body, which may permanently affect an individual’s well-being. Pain in the prostate Pain in the prostate may occur when one suffers from infections, injuries, or other diseases.

The uterus, the female body’s life-bearing organ, is an indispensable part of the female reproductive system. This organ performs several activities, from menstruation and implantation to pregnancy and labor. Some of the common uterine health diseases include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and uterine prolapse. It is important to promptly address menstrual or reproductive health issues to prevent and manage such health conditions. Here are some signs that should not be overlooked: Unusually heavy bleeding Menorrhagia refers to extremely heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding and may indicate underlying health issues like hormonal imbalance, uterine fibroids, and ovarian dysfunction. Thus, it is essential to consult a gynecologist immediately to prevent such symptoms from aggravating. Irregular periods While irregular menstrual cycles are common during puberty and perimenopause, chronically irregular menstruation experienced over a period of time is a cause of concern. Elevated stress levels, hormonal imbalance, thyroid dysfunction, and PCOS may be some causes of irregular menstrual cycles. A gynecologist can conduct a uterine examination and determine the underlying cause of this health issue. Vaginal bleeding between periods or during pregnancy Vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods may indicate a vaginal, uterine, or cervix infection. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia may also lead to irregular bleeding.

Experiencing muscle pain once in a while is quite normal for many. This kind of pain can arise due to heavy lifting or high-intensity workouts. This pain can subside in a few days by resting or using specific home remedies. However, if the muscle pain is persistent and chronic, the cause can be an underlying health disorder or infection. In such cases, it is important to consult a doctor and get a correct diagnosis immediately. Common causes of muscle pain Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is caused by repeated nerve stimulation. This changes the pain receptors of the brain and the spinal cord. As a result, there is an increase in the level of chemicals that respond to pain. This also results in widespread musculoskeletal pain. Many people who have fibromyalgia end up having chronic muscle pain, tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. Chronic fatigue syndrome Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, causes extreme tiredness, which doesn’t go away even after rest. One of its most notable symptoms is muscle and joint pain. There is no swelling or inflammation in the pain points. The pain worsens with any physical or mental activity. Other symptoms include sensitivity to light, headache, tender lymph nodes, fatigue and weakness, inability to concentrate, insomnia, forgetfulness, mood swings, confusion, and occasional low-grade fever.

Huntington’s disease is a rare illness that can be passed down from generation to generation. Furthermore, it can bring about degeneration of the nerve cells in the brain, causing patients to experience a decline in their functioning abilities. This means it can lead to disorders associated with cognitive ( thinking), body movements, and psychiatry. Besides this, the symptoms can develop at any age. Therefore, here are some hidden signs and symptoms of Huntington’s disease. Hidden signs of Huntington’s disease Typically, this condition affects the patient’s functioning abilities. Moreover, it has been noticed that the symptoms of the illness fall under a wide spectrum, making them difficult to observe. So, patients can experience different first signs signifying the development of Huntington’s disease. Thus, written below are some hidden signs to keep an eye out for. Physical symptoms Generally, the symptoms of Huntington’s disease, also known as HD, can be noticed in the form of changes to gait and body structure. Additionally, it can lead to impairments in voluntary movements and involuntary movement issues. Here, some signs that can be noticed are unusual or slow eye movements, muscle-related issues like rigidity or contractions, speech and swallowing difficulties, and involuntary movements like writhing or jerking.

Neuropathy, also called peripheral neuropathy, is not a single health condition. Rather, the term refers to various issues affecting the nerves outside the spinal cord and brain (peripheral nervous system) and their associated symptoms. Generally, the conditions can affect the hands and feet, causing tingling, pain, and numbness. Just like some of the other health conditions affecting the human body, neuropathy can be managed by making lifestyle modifications and meeting one’s nutritional requirements. Managing neuropathy – 6 foods to avoid On the one hand, some foods can help deal with the symptoms, while others are best avoided as they can aggravate the signs of neuropathy. So, to aid patients in the process, here are the foods to be avoided. Pizza Although fast foods are convenient, one must not ignore their effects on the body. Typically, pizza and other types of takeaway foods lack nutritional benefits. Moreover, in the case of pizza, the crust is a source of gluten, which can trigger nerve issues and pain in some patients. Additionally, gluten can be found in seemingly unexpected sources such as soy. If neuropathy patients consume gluten-containing foods, chances are their bodies may not be able to digest them properly. Instead, it can aggravate issues like nerve inflammation.

Skin cancer results in abnormal cell growth in the epidermis, the outermost layer of a person’s skin. This is primarily caused by unrepaired DNA damage that causes mutations in these cells. Like most malignancies, nearly all skin cancers can be cured if they are treated in the initial stages. For that to happen, healthcare professionals need to detect the disease based on its early, silent signs. Here are some such silent signs of skin cancer: Red or purple lesions Skin lesions are indicative of several things: too much body heat, skin allergies, and a host of diseases. What separates skin cancer-based lesions is that they tend to be blue, red, or purple in texture. Such lesions are actually a common early sign of a rare skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. Within a few weeks of appearing, these lesions grow a few sizes visibly. Mostly, they show up in skin areas that have received a lot of sun in recent years. Kaposi sarcoma, another kind of skin cancer, also involves the development of discolored skin and lesions. If one discovers lesions like these on their skin, they need to visit their closest healthcare professional or an oncologist immediately for a checkup.

Pneumonia is an infection that can cause inflammation of the air sac in the lungs, either one or both. In pneumonia patients, the air sacs become filled with pus or fluid, leading to fever, chest pain, cough (often with pus or phlegm), and breathing difficulties. While anyone can develop the condition, young children and older adults are more susceptible to it. Learning the silent signs of pneumonia is imperative for timely diagnosis and treatment. 10 silent signs of pneumonia Typically, the symptoms indicating the development of pneumonia can vary from one person to the other. While it can be mild for some, it can also be severe. Its severity often depends on certain factors, such as the age of the patient, his/her overall health, and the type of pneumonia-causing germ. Furthermore, in cases of mild pneumonia, the signs can be quite similar to the ones experienced during a cold or flu. However, they may last longer. Therefore, it is essential to watch for the silent signs of pneumonia mentioned below. Chills One of the silent signs that can indicate pneumonia is chills. These can be mild in most cases. But sometimes, especially in adults, these chills can also cause one to shake uncontrollably (also known as rigors).

A good night’s sleep is just as essential as food and water for maintaining overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, many people struggle to fulfill this requirement due to a sleep disorder called insomnia. The disorder is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and the inability to get proper sleep. If left untreated, it can severely cause hindrance in a person’s daily life. Here are early symptoms that may help one recognize them and take steps toward better sleep hygiene. Difficulty falling and staying asleep One of the most common early signs of insomnia is difficulty falling asleep. People may experience the inability to sleep despite their best efforts. The consequent frustration of constantly tossing and turning may make them even more restless and unable to drift off. The inability to fall asleep may also cause people to have unpleasant thoughts, making them more stressful. Another telltale sign of insomnia is waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to get back to sleep. While this may seem like a normal occurrence to some, if this happens on a regular basis, it might be a matter of concern. This fragmented sleep pattern can leave the person feeling weak and unrested the next day.