With all the technology, drugs and research, one would have thought that the "war on cancer" would see some form of success. Yet, we still have a risk of just under 1 in 2 of developing cancer, and for women, the risk is just over 1 in 3. 77% of all cancers diagnosed are in people 55 years and older.

So what can be done to detect cancer instead, to avoid becoming another statistic?

A lump or thickening in the breasts, testicles, or lymph nodes

Many cancers can be felt throughout the skin, Especially those in the breasts, testicles, and lymph nodes. A lump or thickening is a warning sign, and is easily felt through self-examination. Some breast cancers appear as red or thickened skin.

Skin changes

Not only indicative of cancer of the skinVarious changes in the skin can be a sign of other cancers as well.

Signs and symptoms of skin cancer include:

• darker looking skin
• yellowish skin
• reddened or inflamed skin
• excessive hair growth
• changes in warts, freckles that change color, size or shape
• wounds that do not heal

Throat and mouth

A persistent throatache, cough, hoarseness, lump in the throat, or difficulty swallowing may indicate cancer of the pharynx, larynx, esophagus. When there is blood, it is an indication to seek immediate professional help.

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

Changes in bowel habits, bladder function, and digestion

Persistent urinary difficulties, constipation, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, urinary or rectal bleeding, black or tarry 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 pain can all be signs of cancer.

The pain

The pain is often a sign of persistent inflammation and immune system problems. Both of these conditions can be precursors to cancer if not properly addressed.

A headache can be a sign of a brain tumor, and persistent back pain can be a symptom of colon, rectal, or ovarian cancer.

Chronic fatigue

Chronic fatigue is extreme fatigue that doesn't go away, even with lots of sleep. As cancer develops, this condition may become more common, and is often a sign of an overloaded immune system.

Recurrent fever

Fever is very common in cancer, but it often happens after it has spread. Almost everyone will have recurring fever at some point, especially when the cancer begins to have a significant effect on the immune system.

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

Weight loss

At some point, most people with cancer will experience unexpected weight loss. Losing 5 kg or more for no known reason can be the first sign of cancer. This occurs most often in cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus or lung.

If one or more of these symptoms occur, seek help from a doctor. Immediately consider alternative screening methods such as thermography.