(NaturalNews) With all the high tech screenings, procedures, drugs, and research, one would have to think that the "war on cancer" would be seeing some forms of success. Yet, men still have a slightly less than 1 in 2 lifetime risk of developing cancer, and for women, the risk is a little more than 1 in 3. Approximately 77% of all cancers are diagnosed in people 55 years of age and older.

So what can someone do at home to detect cancer early, to avoid becoming another stat?

Lump or thickening in the breasts, testicles, or lymph nodes

Many cancers can be felt right through the skin., especially those in the breasts, testicles, and lymph nodes. A lump or thickening is a warning sign, and can easily be felt through self-examination. Some breast cancers show up as red or thickened skin, rather than a lump.

Skin changes

Not only indicative of skin cancer, various changes in the skin can be a sign of other cancers as well. Signs and symptoms of cancer reflected on the skin include:

• Darker looking skin
• Yellowish skin
• Reddened or inflamed skin
• Dry scaly patches
• Excessive hair growth
• Changes in warts, moles, or freckles that change color, size, or shape or loses its sharp border
• Sores that do not heal

Throat and mouth problems

A persistent sore throat, cough, hoarseness, lump in the throat, or difficulty swallowing may indicate cancer of the pharynx, larynx, or esophagus. Any coughing that brings up blood is an immediate indication to seek professional help.

White patches inside the mouth and on the tongue may be leukoplakia. This is a pre-cancerous area that's caused by frequent irritation, and often caused by smoking or tobacco use.

Change in bowel habits, bladder function, and digestion

Continuing urinary difficulties, constipation, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pains, rectal or urinary bleeding, or dark tar-like stools can all be signs of bladder, prostate, and other cancers.

Recurring digestive problems such as indigestion, nausea, heartburn, bloating, loss of appetite and abdominal discomfort all may be signs of cancer as well.

Pain

Pain is often a sign of persistent inflammation and immune system issues. Both of these conditions can be precursors to cancer, if not remedied appropriately.

A headache that does not go away may be a sign of a brain tumor, and persistent back pain may be a symptom of cancer in the colon, rectum, or ovaries. Do not leave these issues unattended, as pain due to cancer may mean it has already spread from where it started.

Chronic fatigue

Chronic fatigue is an extreme tiredness that does not go away, even with plenty of sleep. As cancer grows, this condition can become more prevalent, and is often a sign of an overburdened immune system.

Recurring fever

Fever is quite common with cancer, but it often happens after it has spread from where it started. Nearly all people who have cancer will experience a recurring fever at some point, especially when the cancer starts to have a significant effect on the immune system.

Less often, fever is an early sign of cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.

Weight loss

At some point in time, most people with cancer will experience unexpected weight loss. Losing 10 pounds or more for no known reason may be the first sign of cancer. This happens most often with cancers of pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung.

If any of these conditions exist, seek professional help immediately and consider alternative screening methods like thermography. To obtain dietary sources that have been proven to help with various cancers, visit the first two articles below.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.healingthebody.ca

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

Trivieri, Larry. Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. Ed. John W.
Anderson. 2nd ed. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts, 2002.

About the author:
Derek Henry took a deadly health challenge that conventional medicine couldn't solve and self-directed a one-in-a-million health journey that found him happier and healthier than he had been in his entire life. As a result of this rewarding journey, he now spends his time writing, coaching, and educating thousands of people each month who want to enjoy similar results under their own direction.

Find out how you can reverse disease and thrive with a holistic approach.