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 the way 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 was focused on who and when the new pope would be selected, and smoke signals provided a daily update of the process. Our body also provides signals, which nearly always indicate something that needs to be observed or investigated 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 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 Litchenfeld.  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

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

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 very prolonged cough—defined as 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 with cancer.

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