According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), cancer is caused when human cells begin to grow out of control and form abnormal cell growths. Within these cancer cells, the DNA is somehow damaged through the uncontrollable growth. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells are unable to repair the damaged DNA. Eventually, these abnormal cancer cells form tumors. Depending on the location of the tumors, cancer can cause a wide range of side effects on the body.
General Effects
Cancer can cause general effects on the body that appear much like symptoms of less serious problems, according to the American Cancer Society. These effects can be similar to a host of other medical conditions like the flu or a common cold. Cancer can cause extreme fatigue, indigestion, trouble swallowing, constant fevers, persistent coughing and body aches or pains.
Skin Problems
Cancer can cause the following effects on skin: itching, excessive hair growth, erythema (reddening of the skin), jaundice which is yellowing of the skin and hyperpigmentation which is a darkening of skin color. In addition to these cancerous effects, skin cancer can cause bloody sores on the skin, according to the ACS.
Bowel and Bladder Problems
Cancer can cause various problems with bowel movements and bladder function. Cancer of the colon can cause irregular sized stool, blood in stool and constant diarrhea or constipation. Painful urination, blood in urine or a change in frequency of urination can all be attributed to prostate cancer.
Unusual Bleeding
Cancer can cause a variety of bloody discharges within the body. Kidney or prostate cancer can cause blood in urine. Colon or rectal cancer can cause blood within stool. Cervical cancer can cause unusual vaginal bleeding or disruptions to menstrual cycles. Blood found within phlegm can be an effect of lung cancer. Breast cancer can cause the nipple to have bloody discharges.
Cognitive Effects
Cancer can cause serious cognitive effects. According to the National Cancer Institute, individuals may experience problems with paying attention or focusing, thinking, awareness, memory loss, muscle control, sleeping and walking. In addition to the previous possible effects, the NCI also reports that delirium is a common symptom in advanced stages of cancer, especially during the final days of one's life. Delirium may be permanent and is possibly caused by organ failure according to the NCI.
