How can cancer be found if most cancers don't even have any symptoms?

[Anonymous]

I'm really worried I have it, reason being, I have a high white blood cell count, with no other sign of infection or symptoms. meaning, my body could be fighting something that is hiding itself. but I have no symptoms and there are over 200 different types of cancer how on earth could you even test for it?

[7gnat]

Is there a history of cancer in your family? If so what type of cancer runs in your family? If there is a specific type of cancer that runs in your family then get a screening for all that type of types of cancer. You may be a bit paranoid and may have something simple like a sti, a uti, or kidney infection that you have been fighting for a while now without even knowing it. Are you glands swollen-the ones by your ear, under your jaw, groin area? Obviously go to a doctor and tell him of any symptoms you may be having. If you feel you have a doctor that does not listen well or seem to care then go to one that is highly recommended and has a good rating with patient interaction. Good luck to you

[Asker]

no there isn't. well my mum has these sores on her legs that won't go away and they are getting much worse and she refuses to get it checked out. I'm worried about it, but she spends hours in the sun without sunblock and she's an alcoholic. I'm a health-conscious 20 year old, don't smoke, rarely drink, loads of exercise and a relatively healthy diet. I'm just worried because I read on the internet, if you have no clear signs of an infection, it COULD be something more serious that's hiding

[Asker]

i.e cancer. well OK when I say I read it on the internet, someone told me that on this site, but it seems logical. I was asking why I get sick all the time, I've had a uti infection, bad cold, flu twice all in the space of 6 months. someone told me I should get it checked out, because maybe my immune system is busy trying to fight something I don't know is there, like cancer... it's scared me a lot.

[7gnat]

Your uti infection is probably not gone. You do not feel the symptoms but I bet it is still there or maybe has spread to another part of the body. Maybe synthetic anti-biodics will help you.

[Asker]

but I was on antibiotics, and I have no symptoms of it... though I didn't finish the course of antibiotics... the pharmacist told me I could just stop when I felt better.

[7gnat]

NEVER listen to the pharmacist-ALWAYS listen to the dcotor. When you get a scrip for anti-biodics ALWAYS finish them and try not to get on them very often. But when you do FINISH them so your are SURE the infection is gone. Again only your doctor knows but you can become immune to anti-biodics so if you still have the uti you may have to switch it up so that it works on you.

[Asker]

but do you think it would be safe for me to leave it until I get any symptoms? I really feel fine...

[7gnat]

no. If you have ANY infection the longer is stays in you the stronger it will get.

[Anonymous]

cancer is known as a silent killer

cancer patients don't know they have it unless you see a lump somewhere

you have to consider your family history if anyone has had it

you have to go to the doctor to get a test done

u have to see your doctor once a year for a physical checkup meaning they check everything to make sure your body is okay

[rachiee]

Well you're suppose to get a check up at least once a year from different types of doctors and the doctor usually looks over areas to see if there's any signs. Have you tried going to a different doctor? Also, have you gotten every basic detecting test done including a pap smear? Also doctors look at your families medical history.

[Asker]

well I went to a gynocologist and got a pap test I guess a little less then a year ago and the results were fine... what other types of basic tests are there? do you think any kinds would show up in the blood test results?

[rachiee]

It depends what they do the blood test for. High white blood count is leukocytosis which can occur due to stress, pregnancy, exercise, convulsions, anesthesia, andepinephrine, allergies, bacterial infections, ashma, allergic reactions, etc. There's a lot of things that can cause a high white blood count that aren't that serious. What tests has your doctor done exactly? If he hasn't then I suggest you go to another doctor. Usually they know how to handle this and will do the tests needed asap.

[rachiee]

Also this can be treated with antibiotics and other treatments. If your doctor hasn't brought this up, like I said, then you should find a new doctor and seek their help on this.

[Asker]

well I moved countries, at the moment I don't have a specific doctor... but I needed a blood test to get married so I got it done at a foreign hospital. all I know is I have high leukocytes, but I'm thinking it could also be exercise... I read on the internet, if you do hard exercise it can raise the white blood cells significantly for up to a few hours, and I work out every single morning. thing is I don't have any symptoms, so I wouldn't even know what test to ask for...

[rachiee]

Yup! That can definitely cause it. Intense work outs can cause health issues that are minor and not harmful. I think if all the tests are coming back fine then chances are it's just because your lifestyle/exercise routine.

[CindiluvsFriends]

Oh they can usually find the cancer cells-even if there's no symptoms.