Cancer Symptoms
There are over 200 distinct types of cancer. Most have many different signs and symptoms. Sometimes symptoms affect specific areas of the body but not always. Signs can be general in nature –like weight loss, tiredness (fatigue), or unexplained pains.
Some possible signs of cancer – like a lump - are much better known than others. This, however, doesn’t mean they’re more important or even more likely to be cancer.
The thing for everyone to remember is that different cancers affect different people in diverse ways. The symptoms vary from person to person.
It is most important to be aware of what is normal for you and to speak with your doctor if you notice any unusual changes or that something won’t go away. This can help diagnose cancer at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be successful.
Some General Symptoms
Very heavy night sweats or fever
Sweating at night or having an elevated temperature (fever) can be caused by an infections or a side effect to certain medications. Speak to your doctor if you have heavy, drenching night sweats, or an unexplained fever.
Fatigue
There are lots of reasons why you may feel more tired than usual, particularly if you’re going through a stressful event, or having trouble sleeping. But if you’re feeling tired all the time for no apparent reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong - speak with your doctor.
Unexplained bleeding or bruising
Unexplained bleeding or bruising with no injury is important to get checked out by your doctor. This includes blood in your feces or urine, as well as vomiting or coughing up blood. It also includes any unexplained vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or post menopause. No matter how much blood or what color it is, speak with your doctor.
Unexplained pain or ache
Pain is one way our body tells us that something is wrong. As we get older, it’s more common to experience aches and pains. But, unexplained or persistent pain anywhere in the body could be a sign of something more serious.
Unexplained weight loss
Small weight changes over time are typically normal, but if you have lost a significant amount of weight without trying to, tell your doctor.
Unusual lump or swelling anywhere
Persistent lumps or swelling in any part of your body should be taken seriously. This includes any lumps in the neck, armpit, stomach, groin, chest, breast, or testicle.
Cancer Symptoms of Some Common Cancers
Cancer symptoms vary widely depending on the location and type of cancer. Some common symptoms associated with different major cancer categories include:
Lung Cancer
Persistent cough, shortness of breath, coughing up blood wheezing, chest pain, hoarse voice, and/or weight loss
Breast Cancer
A lump or noticeable thickening of breast tissue, breast changes - pain, swelling, warmth, redness and/or darkening
Colorectal Cancer
Rectal bleeding, blood in stool, dark stool persistent abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, and/or cramps
Skin Cancers
Moles - change in color, size, shape, or irregular borders, new growths, sores, lumps, and/or scaly rough skin patches
Prostate Cancer
Frequent or difficulty urinating, weak urine stream and/or pain urinating
Pancreatic Cancer
Jaundice, upper abdominal/back pain, and/or unexplained weight loss
Blood Cancers (leukemia, lymphoma)
Fever, fatigue, easy bruising/bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, and/or weight loss
Our Mission
We are a multidisciplinary team of surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, and clinical trial investigators. Together, we deliver cutting-edge, safe, well-coordinated, and supportive care to those with cancer and to their families.
We strive to provide access to cutting edge clinical trials in cancer care. This means providing access to innovative therapies in the community where you live. We feel strongly that state-of-the-art medicine should be easily accessible beyond academic centres.
We maintain a personal touch, and we will never treat you as just another number or patient.
What We Do
We have an array of expertise in the use of leading-edge hormonal, targeted, oral chemotherapies and immunotherapies. We works in close collaboration with Surgical Oncologists, Thoracic Surgeons, Colorectal Surgeons, Radiation Oncologists and Gynecological Oncologists in the specialized care of cancer patients.
Our clinical practice encompasses various tumor types including (but not limited to):
Breast
Bladder
Lung
Colorectal
Gastric
Kidney
Livers
Esophageal
Pancreatic
Prostate
Testicular
Head and Neck
Genitourinary
Gynecological Malignancies
Houston's Leading Cancer Research Expert
Our patients gain access to trial treatments sponsored by leading medical institutions in Houston, and throughout the nation. Our team works hard to connect you with the best possible trial while providing comprehensive care during your treatment.
We identify the best treatments available in oncology with evidence-based alternative treatments for symptom control. In addition, we have in-depth training in Geriatrics. This allows us to offer tailored cancer care to elderly patients. This frequently means balancing the benefit of chemotherapy while minimizing side effects in older and vulnerable patients.
The Expertise You Need, The Compassion You Deserve
With years of experience working in cancer research and treatment, we bring extensive knowledge and expertise to every patient. Our passion for helping patients find the right clinical trial while providing the care they need is unparalleled. Our team is dedicated to making sure you have access to the best possible cancer treatment options.
The Process
What To Expect
When you partner with Community Clinical Trials, you can expect personalized care from highly skilled professionals. Our goal is to provide the highest level of care while ensuring that every patient has access to the best possible cancer treatments.
A brief explanation of the process:
01
Learn about current cancer treatment and prevention trials.
02
Schedule a consultation with us to discuss your needs and options.
03
Begin participating in the trial that is right for you.
04
Receive comprehensive care during your participation in the trial.
Breaking The Barrier to Cancer Care
After years of working with leading research institutions, we have seen first-hand the difficulty many patients had accessing essential cancer treatment and prevention trials. Even when patients were accepted in clinical trials, they often faced additional roadblocks: forced to travel distances (with all the attendant costs), lack of transparency throughout the treatment process, and difficulty accessing necessary information.
This is why we are committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent patients from getting the care they need. Our team ensures every patient can access comprehensive cancer care. No one will be left behind.
Access to leading cancer treatment trials- Personalized care from highly skilled professional
- Comprehensive support throughout the trial process
- Transparency and access to necessary information
Start Your Journey to Healing Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with cancer, contact Community Clinical Trials at the Houston office to learn more about the clinical trials that could help. Our team is committed to giving you access to the best possible care and providing personalized support throughout your journey.
Whether you need a second opinion about a diagnosis or want to learn how to participate in cancer prevention or a clinical trial, our experienced team is here for you.