February is National Cancer Prevention Month, a period focused on rededicating attention to our health and the health of our loved ones. For many cancer survivors and current cancer patients, monitoring for symptoms of recurrent and/or metastatic cancer is an important part of detecting advanced disease as early as possible.
The American Cancer Society notes a few signs and symptoms patients and families can monitor for:
- Loss of energy and feeling tired and/or weak.
- Weight loss without trying.
- Pain, such as back pain (if the cancer has spread to the spine) or abdominal (stomach) pain.
- Shortness of breath, especially when a cancer has spread to the lungs.
It is difficult to predict the likelihood of a cancer spreading, but there are common sites to which some cancer may spread at advanced stages. To learn more about the common sites of metastasis, view our blog post.
If you think you or a loved one may have symptoms of metastatic cancer, our team at Austin CyberKnife has expertise in treating certain recurrent and metastatic cancers and helping you decide on the right treatment. Contact our center at 512-324-8060 to schedule a consultation or second opinion review of your treatment options.
This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.