The most common symptoms of cancer – what you need to know
Cancer is a diverse group of diseases that can affect any tissue in the body. More than 30,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in Finland every year, and an increasing number of people will develop cancer at some point in their lives. Although treatment methods are constantly evolving, one thing remains unchanged: the earlier cancer is detected, the better the chances of effective treatment and recovery.
Early-stage cancer is often asymptomatic or has very vague symptoms. As a result, many people only seek medical attention once the disease has progressed. Awareness of early symptoms and the willingness to have unclear symptoms checked out in time can be crucial factors for health and even life.
Typical early symptoms
Many early signs of cancer often resemble common ailments such as the flu, indigestion, or stress-induced fatigue. The difference is that the symptom does not go away but persists or worsens over time.
- Blood in sputum, urine, or stool without any obvious cause
- Unexplained weight loss and constant fatigue
- Prolonged cough or hoarseness
- Changes in bowel or urinary function
- Long-term pain or new yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Lumps or sores that do not heal
- Changes in moles or skin – in size, color, edges, or itchiness
A single symptom does not automatically mean cancer. Often there is a benign explanation. But if the symptom persists for weeks or months, it is worth investigating the cause.
Why is early diagnosis crucial?
Cancer detected at an early stage is often localized, which means that treatment is less stressful and the prognosis is better. For example:
Cancers in the abdominal area: when detected early, tumors can often be removed surgically, and the prognosis improves significantly.
Breast cancer: when detected at an early stage, treatment may be limited to surgery and hormone therapy, whereas in advanced stages, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often also required.
Prostate cancer: when localized, it can be very treatable, but once it has spread, treatment becomes much more challenging.
Early detection of cancer has a direct impact not only on survival but also on quality of life.
The role of imaging – why magnetic resonance imaging?
When symptoms raise suspicion, after examination by a doctor, the next step is often imaging, after a period of waiting that varies in length. Imaging shows what has actually happened or is happening inside the body.
The particular strengths of magnetic resonance imaging are:
- Precise differentiation of soft tissues – ideal for the brain, neck, abdomen, spine, spinal cord, chest, and pelvis
- No harmful radiation – safe, especially for repeated examinations
- Assessment of spread – where the tumor is located and whether it has spread to surrounding tissues or elsewhere in the body
- Guidance for further examinations – MRI helps, for example, in planning biopsies and treatment decisions
Magnetic resonance imaging alone is not necessarily sufficient for a cancer diagnosis, but it provides accurate and decisive information to support further investigations.
Low threshold for examinations – even without a referral
Visio Magneettikuvaus imaging examinations can be easily and quickly accessed without a doctor’s referral. This lowers the threshold for investigating symptoms that cause concern or checking one’s health, for example, to rule out cancer.
Many of our customers also come to us with a doctor’s referral for further examinations, but we want to offer people the opportunity to take action to improve their own health. This is precisely why Visio has become the market leader in preventive imaging in Finland.
Summary
Early symptoms of cancer can be vague, but recognizing them is crucial.
Persistent symptoms such as bleeding, weight loss, fatigue, coughing, changes in bowel function, pain, lumps, and skin changes should always be investigated.
Early imaging, especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), provides accurate information without radiation and is an important part of diagnostics.
Visio Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Espoo offers a low-threshold opportunity to get yourself examined quickly and reliably – even without a referral.
Don’t ignore your body’s messages – early examination can save lives.