Don’t Let the Smoke Get into Your Eyes

Don’t Let Smoke Get Into Your Eyes
Last week, I was fascinated by the rites, rituals, and traditions used by the Catholic Church in Vatican City to inform everyone about the selection of the new pope. On the first day of the conclave, the cardinal-electors assemble in St. Peter’s Basilica to attend morning Mass.

In the afternoon, the 115 cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel to begin the first round of balloting, needing a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope.  Interestingly, there was no internet service inside the conclave, and the cardinals vowed secrecy.

My fascination is how the world was informed when black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney at the end of the day on Tuesday, March 12, 2103, indicating “not yet.” However, when white smoke rose from the chimney the next day, this color of smoke indicated “pope elected.”

The world watched closely to see who would be selected as the new pope and eagerly awaited updates, which were indicated by smoke signals. Similarly, our bodies send signals that often signal something requiring attention or investigation by a medical professional.

Today, I want to focus on “15 Cancer Symptoms Women Ignore”.  Years ago, cancer was a death sentence; however, with today’s technology and preventable measures with early detection, paying attention to the messages that our body is sending is critical.

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

2. Bloating

It could point to ovarian cancer.  Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal pain or pelvic pain, feeling full quickly, and urinary problems such as having an urgent need to go to the bathroom.

3. Breast Changes

Breast Cancer Awareness Initiatives have helped women to know the signs to be aware of.

4. Bleeding Between Periods or Unusual Bleeding

If you notice blood in your urine or stool, don’t assume it’s from a hemorrhoid. It could be colon cancer. In addition, coughing up blood should be evaluated, too.

5. Changes in Skin

We’ve talked about the importance of skincare, especially SPF.

6. Difficulty Swallowing

Dr. Lenard Leonard Lichtenfeld, MD, deputy chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society, said difficulty in swallowing could be a sign of gastrointestinal cancer, such as in the esophagus.

7. Gnawing Abdominal Pain and Depression

Any woman who’s got pain in the abdomen and is feeling depressed needs a check-up, according to Dr Leonard Lichtenfeld.  Some researchers have found a link between depression and pancreatic cancer, but it’s a poorly understood connection.

8. Indigestion 

It could be an early clue to cancer of the esophagus, stomach, or throat. (Popping Tums all day is not a good sign).

9. Mouth Changes

According to the American Cancer Society, smokers should be especially alert to any white patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue.

10. Pain

Pain that persists and is unexplained needs to be checked out.

11. Changes in Lymph Nodes

If you notice a lump or swelling in the lymph nodes under your armpit or in your neck—or anywhere else it could be worrisome.

12. Fever

If you have a fever that is unexplained by influenza (flu) or other infection, it could point
to cancer.  Fevers more often occur after cancer has spread from its original site, but it
can also point to early blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma, according to the
American Cancer Society.

13. Fatigue

If you have a fever that is unexplained by influenza (flu) or other infection, it could point
to cancer.  Fevers more often occur after cancer has spread from its original site, but it
can also point to early blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma, according to the
American Cancer Society.

14. Persistent Cough

Coughs are expected to be caused by colds, the flu, and allergies, and sometimes are side effects of
medications.  But a prolonged cough—lasting more than three or four
weeks—should not be ignored.

If we can pay attention to white and black smoke signals as they relate to the newly minted pope, surely we can pay attention to the signs and signals that our bodies indicate to us. If we respond early instead of waiting to see, we can overcome the odds of cancer.

“Don’t Let Smoke Get In Your Eyes.” Early detection is vital to a healthy and long life.