Warning signs and cancer risk factors

Breast Cancer

Warning signs: any lump or thickening in the breast or bleeding or discharge from the nipple.

Cancer risk factors: breast cancer most often occurs in women older than 50: in women who have never had children; had their first child after age 30, have never breastfed, and in women from families in which there is a history of breast cancer in mother or sister.

Colorectal Cancer

Warning signs: any rectal bleeding or long change in the bowel habits.

Cancer risk factors: history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer in a family member or chronic ulcerative colitis.

Lung Cancer

Warning signs: nagging cough, coughing up blood, persistent attacks of pneumonia or bronchitis, chest pain.

Cancer risk factors: heavy smoking and exposure to environmental pollutants.

Oral Cancer

Warning signs: any change of color in the mouth or sore in the mouth that fails to heal.

Cancer risk factors: most common in men older than 45, heavy smokers, and users of chewing tobacco, especially when coupled with heavy use of alcohol.

Prostate Cancer

Warning signs: difficulty in urination, persistent pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs, blood in the urine.

Cancer risk factors: most common among men older than 70.