The Old Vet and His Tank

 This is so touching: an old WW2 Russian tank army veteran has finally found his own tank on which he passed through all the war standing in small Russian town as a monument and got emotionally shocked that people worried his heart won’t be able to cope with this.

Dog Forts

6 Reasons to Eat More Food Rich in Prebiotics

One of the more recent darlings of the health world has been probiotics, the beneficial bacteria found in items like yogurt and fermented foods that help promote good gut health. Benefits of probiotics range from better digestive health, improved immunity to anti-inflammatory effects and more. But hey, probiotics need to eat too – and they love to dine on prebiotics.

Prebiotics are dietary fibers found naturally in foods. When good bacteria digest prebiotic fiber, they not only multiply, improving overall gut health, but they also release metabolic byproducts, notes a new study from the University of Colorado Boulder (UCB). Prebiotics make probiotics happy, and happy probiotics make for a happier lot of things.

All prebiotics are fiber, but not all fiber is prebiotic. Classification of an item as a prebiotic, according to the National Institutes of Health, requires scientific demonstration that the ingredient: “Resists gastric acidity, hydrolysis by mammalian enzymes, and absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract; Is fermented by the intestinal microflora; Selectively stimulates the growth and/or activity of intestinal bacteria potentially associated with health and well-being.” 

Briefly, here are some of the things that a diet high in prebiotic foods has been linked to:

1. IMPROVED SLEEP

The new study from UCB suggests that dietary prebiotics improve sleep.”We found that dietary prebiotics can improve non-REM sleep, as well as REM sleep after a stressful event,” said Robert Thompson, a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Integrative Physiology.

2. BETTER BRAIN AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH 

“Given that sufficient NREM [non-REM] sleep and proper nutrition can impact brain development and function and that sleep problems are common in early life, it is possible that a diet rich in prebiotics started in early life could help improve sleep, support the gut microbiota and promote optimal brain/psychological health,” notes the UCB study.

3. DECREASED PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPACTS FROM STRESS

The UCB study authors also note that the boost in REM leads to lesser impacts from stress; research shows that those who get more REM sleep post-trauma are less likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

4. REDUCED RISK OF DEVELOPING COLORECTAL CANCER

Prebiotics may prevent colorectal cancer development in humans by modifying the composition or activity of the colorectal microflora, notes a review of nine studies by Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota.

5. INCREASED CALCIUM ABSORPTION 

Daily consumption of a combination of prebiotics significantly increases calcium absorption and enhances bone mineralization for kids during puberty, found one study. The same was found for young adults up to age 27 in another study, while more research shows it in other age groups as well.

6. INCREASED SATIETY AFTER MEALS

And last but not least, research suggests that consuming prebiotics may promote satiety and weight loss and prevent obesity.

And best of all, prebiotics are delicious. Food sources high in prebiotic fiber include asparagus, bananas, artichokes, Jerusalem artichokes, jicama, dandelion greens, chicory, whole grains, raw garlic, leeks and onions, to name just a few.

Which Fruits Have the Most Sugar?

Fruit is an important, and delicious, part of our diet. Full of fiber, antioxidants and other phytochemicals, fresh fruit is a great source of sustainable energy. Whole fruit contains fiber and other nutrients, which allow the body to feel more full and to absorb the sugar slowly over time.

Some fruit choices, however, might be better than others. Since dried fruit and fruit juice contain a higher-concentrated sugar content, whole fresh fruit is generally a better option. Many people today consume an excess of sugar, which can cause inflammation, weight gain and a host of other problems. Prioritizing low-sugar fruit can help keep your overall sugar consumption in check.

The list below shows where fruits rank on the sugar-content spectrum. Sugar and carb counts vary based on growing conditions, species and ripeness. 

Fruits Lowest in Sugar

-Lemon and Lime
-Rhubarb
-Raspberries
-Blackberries
-Cranberries

Fruits Low to Medium in Sugar

-Strawberries
-Casaba Melon
-Papaya
-Watermelon
-Peaches
-Nectarines
-Blueberries
-Cantaloupes
-Honeydew melons
-Apples
-Guavas
-Apricots (fresh, not dried)
-Grapefruit

Fruits with Medium-High Sugar Content

-Plums
-Oranges
-Kiwi
-Pears
-Pineapple

Fruits with Highest Sugar Content

-Tangerines
-Cherries
-Grapes
-Pomegranates
-Mangoes
-Figs
-Bananas
-Dried fruit (raisins, dried apricots, prunes)

10 Science-Based Benefits of Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a tropical citrus fruit known for its sweet and somewhat sour taste.

It’s rich in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber, making it one of the healthiest citrus fruits you can eat.

Research shows that it may have some powerful health benefits, including weight loss and a reduced risk of heart disease.

Here are 10 evidence-based health benefits of grapefruit.

1. It’s low in calories, yet high in nutrients

Grapefruit is an incredibly healthy food to include in your diet. That’s because it’s high in nutrients, but low in calories. In fact, it’s one of the lowest-calorie fruits.

It provides a decent amount of fiber, in addition to more than 15 beneficial vitamins and minerals.

Here are some of the major nutrients found in half of a medium-sized grapefruit (1):

• Calories: 52
• Carbs: 13 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Vitamin C: 64% of the RDI
• Vitamin A: 28% of the RDI
• Potassium: 5% of the RDI
• Thiamine: 4% of the RDI
• Folate: 4% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 3% of the RDI

Additionally, it is a rich source of some powerful antioxidant plant compounds, which are likely responsible for many of its health benefits.

Summary: Grapefruit is low in calories and also provides a significant amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

2. It may benefit your immune system

Eating grapefruit regularly may be beneficial for your immune system.

It’s prized for its high content of vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties known to protect your cells from harmful bacteria and viruses (2).

Additionally, several studies have shown vitamin C to be beneficial for helping people recover more quickly from the common cold (3, 4, 5, 6, 7).

Many other vitamins and minerals found in grapefruit are known to benefit immunity, including vitamin A, which has been shown to help protect against inflammation and several infectious diseases (8, 9).

Grapefruit also provides small amounts of B vitamins, zinc, copper and iron, which all work together in the body to promote immune system function. They also help maintain the integrity of your skin, which acts as a protective barrier to infection (10).

Summary: Grapefruit may benefit your immune system, as it contains several vitamins and minerals known for their role in preventing infection.

3. May promote appetite control

Grapefruit contains a decent amount of fiber — 2 grams in half of a medium-sized fruit (1).

Research shows that a diet high in fiber-rich fruits is beneficial for inducing feelings of fullness. This is because fiber slows the rate at which your stomach empties, increasing digestion time (11, 12, 13).

Thus, consuming adequate amounts of fiber may automatically help you eat fewer calories throughout the day by keeping your appetite at bay (14).

Summary: Grapefruit contains fiber, which helps with appetite control by promoting fullness.

4. It has been shown to aid weight loss

Grapefruit is a weight loss friendly food.

It has several properties linked to weight loss, especially its fiber content, which helps promote fullness and reduce calorie intake (14, 15, 16, 17).

Additionally, grapefruit contains few calories but lots of water, which is another characteristic known to help with weight loss (18). 

One study in 91 obese subjects found that those who consumed half of a fresh grapefruit before meals lost significantly more weight than those who didn’t (19).

In fact, those in the group that ate fresh grapefruit lost an average of 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) over 12 weeks, while the participants in the group that didn’t eat grapefruit lost less than 1 pound (0.3 kg), on average (19).

Other studies have found similar weight-reducing effects. For instance, one study found that participants experienced a reduced waist size when they consumed grapefruit daily with their meals (20, 21).

This isn’t to say that grapefruit will produce weight loss on its own, but adding it to an already healthy diet may prove to be beneficial.

Summary: Eating grapefruit before meals may be helpful for weight loss. Its fiber and water can promote fullness and reduce calorie intake.

5. Grapefruit may help prevent insulin resistance and diabetes

Eating grapefruit regularly may have the potential to prevent insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes.

Insulin resistance occurs when your cells stop responding to insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that regulates many processes in your body. For example, it’s involved in many aspects of your metabolism, but it’s most commonly known for its role in blood sugar control (22).

Insulin resistance ultimately leads to higher insulin and blood sugar levels, two primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes (22, 23, 24).

Eating grapefruit may help control insulin levels and thus have the ability to reduce your likelihood of becoming insulin resistant (19).

In one study, subjects who ate half of a fresh grapefruit before meals experienced a significant reduction in both insulin levels and insulin resistance, compared to the group that didn’t eat grapefruit (19).

Furthermore, eating fruit as a whole is generally associated with better blood sugar control and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes (25, 26).

Summary: Grapefruit may help reduce insulin resistance, which can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

6. Eating grapefruit may improve heart health

Regularly consuming grapefruit is thought to improve heart health by reducing risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.

In one study, people who ate grapefruit three times daily for six weeks experienced significant reductions in blood pressure over the course of the study. They also showed improvements in total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels (21).

These effects are likely due to the important nutrients that grapefruit contains, which play a role in keeping your heart functioning properly.

First, grapefruit is fairly high in potassium, a mineral responsible for many aspects of heart health. Half a grapefruit provides about 5% of your daily potassium needs (1, 27, 28, 29).

Adequate potassium intake is associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure. Additionally, it has been shown to lower the risk of death from heart disease (29, 30).

Second, the fiber in grapefruit may also boost heart health, given that a high fiber intake is associated with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels (17).

Overall, researchers claim that including fiber and antioxidant-rich fruits like grapefruit as part of a healthy diet helps protect against conditions like heart disease and stroke (11, 31, 32).

Summary: Grapefruit contains nutrients and antioxidants shown to help protect the heart by regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

7. It’s high in powerful antioxidants

Grapefruit contains a few different antioxidants that provide various health benefits, including a reduced risk of several diseases (33).

Antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that may cause harmful reactions in your body (34).

Here’s an overview of the most important antioxidants in grapefruit:

• Vitamin C: A powerful, water-soluble antioxidant that is present in high amounts in grapefruit. It may protect cells from damage that often leads to heart disease and cancer (35).
• Beta-carotene: It’s converted into vitamin A in the body and thought to help reduce the risk of some chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer and eye-related disorders like macular degeneration (36).
• Lycopene: Known for its potential ability to prevent the development of certain types of cancer, especially prostate cancer. May also help slow the growth of tumors and decrease the side effects of common cancer treatments (37, 38).
• Flavanones: Their anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease (39, 40).

Summary: Grapefruit contains several types of antioxidants that may help prevent the development of some chronic conditions, including heart disease and cancer.

8. May reduce the risk of kidney stones

Consuming grapefruit may reduce your risk of developing kidney stones, which result from a buildup of waste materials in the kidneys.

These waste materials are products of metabolism that are normally filtered through the kidneys and removed from the body in urine.

However, when they crystallize in the kidneys, they become stones. Larger kidney stones may cause a blockage in the urinary system, which can be incredibly painful.

The most common type of kidney stones is calcium oxalate stones. Citric acid, an organic acid found in grapefruit, may be effective at preventing them by binding with calcium in the kidneys and flushing it out of the body (41, 42).

Also, citric acid has the ability to increase the volume and pH of your urine, producing an environment that is less favorable to the formation of kidney stones (43).

Summary: The citric acid in grapefruit may help reduce the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones.

9. Very hydrating

Grapefruit contains a lot of water and is, therefore, very hydrating. In fact, water makes up most of the fruit’s weight.

There are almost 4 ounces (118 ml) of water in half of a medium grapefruit, which accounts for about 88% of its total weight (1).

While drinking lots of water is the best way to stay hydrated, eating water-rich foods can also help.

Summary: Grapefruit has a high water content, which helps you stay hydrated.

10. Easy to add to your diet

Grapefruit requires little-to-no preparation, so it’s fairly easy to add to your diet.

Even if you live a busy, on-the-go lifestyle, you can still enjoy grapefruit on a regular basis without worrying about it taking up too much of your time.

Here are some ways you can enjoy grapefruit:

• Snack on grapefruit slices alone.
• Eat it as an alternative to unhealthy dessert foods.
• Try this salad, which combines grapefruit with kale and avocado.
• Blend it into this smoothie with other fruits and veggies.
• Include it in a healthy breakfast parfait like in this recipe.

Summary: Grapefruit is a healthy food that’s easy to incorporate into your diet.

Grapefruit is not for everyone

There are a few reasons why some people may need to avoid eating grapefruit.

Medication interactions

For some people, consuming grapefruit and its juice may lead to medication interactions (44).

This is because it contains substances that inhibit cytochrome P450, an enzyme your body uses to metabolize certain medications.

If you eat grapefruit while taking these medications, your body may not be able to break them down, which could cause an overdose and other adverse effects (44).

The medications most likely to interact with grapefruit include (44):

• Immunosuppressants
• Benzodiazepines
• Most calcium channel blockers
• Indinavir
• Carbamazepine
• Some statins

If you are taking any of these medications, talk with your doctor before adding grapefruit to your diet.

Tooth enamel erosion

In some instances, eating grapefruit may lead to tooth enamel erosion.

Citric acid, which is found in citrus fruits, is a common cause of enamel erosion, especially if you consume it in excess (45).

If you have particularly sensitive teeth, you may need to avoid acidic fruits. However, there are some things you can do to preserve your tooth enamel while still enjoying grapefruit:

• Never suck on grapefruit or other acidic fruits and avoid putting them directly against your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with water after eating the fruit and wait 30 minutes to brush your teeth.
• Eat cheese with the fruit. This helps neutralize the acidity in your mouth and increase saliva production.

Summary: If you take certain medications or have sensitive teeth, you may need to limit your grapefruit intake or avoid it altogether.

Study Says 10 Fruits and Veggies a Day Leads to a Longer Life

Five servings of fruits and veggies a day has long been the daily minimum we’ve been encouraged to aim for in order to maintain good health, but that scientists are discovering more about our nutritional needs, the “5-a-day” recommendation is quickly becoming more outdated than ever. A new study from Imperial College London revealed that a minimum of 10 servings of fruits and veggies a day is linked to a healthier, longer lifespan.

This was a very large-scale, meta-analysis study, involving all available research that included up to two million people from populations all over the world. It also included 43,000 cases of heart disease, 47,000 cases of stroke, 81,000 cases of cardiovascular disease, 112,000 cases of cancer and 94,000 deaths.

The researchers discovered that a higher intake of fruits and veggies was associated with a significantly reduced risk of disease and death. They found that 800 grams a day, which is the equivalent of about 10 servings, could cut the risk of heart disease by 24 percent, stroke by 33 percent, cardiovascular disease by 28 percent, total cancer by 13 percent and premature death by 31 percent. 

If you’re pretty sure you’re already getting the old 5-a-day minimum, that’s still a great start — because the researchers found that even this helps cut the risk of disease. Even as little as 200 grams of fruits and veggies a day was shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by 16 percent, stroke by 18 percent and cardiovascular disease by 13 percent.

In addition to the serving sizes that the researchers analyzed, they also looked at the specific types of fruits and veggies that had the most positive impacts. The following may be the best choices when it comes to preventing heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease and premature death:

• Apples
• Pears
• Citrus fruits
• Leafy greens
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage

The following veggies were associated with a lower risk of cancer:

• Green veggies like spinach and green beans
• Yellow veggies like peppers and carrots
• Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage

The data was more limited for determining which types of fruits and veggies could reduce the risk of disease and early death, so it’s possible that other fruits and veggies could have similar benefits. More research is needed to look into the specifics of how the nutrients from certain fruits and veggies lead to certain benefits, including how to prepare them to maximize their benefits as well as how fruit and veggie intake relates to other causes of death that aren’t from cancer or cardiovascular disease.

So, what exactly is one serving size, anyway? According to the researchers, at 80 grams per serving, this is the equivalent of one small piece of fruit like an apple or a banana. For cooked veggies like peas, spinach, broccoli or cauliflower, one serving size is about the equivalent of three heaped tablespoons. 

Silent Killers! 10 Cancers That Can Show No Signs or Symptoms

While you may think that visiting the doctor yearly and getting your routine check-up should be enough to prevent cancers of all types, the truth is that many cancers can be tough to catch early no matter the preventative measures taken. Eating nutritious foods, knowing your family history, and getting plenty of physical activity is a great start for preventing cancer, but knowing exactly what signs and symptoms to look out for, even if you think you’re health and lifestyle is top-notch, can be life-saving.

Some cancers in particular can be difficult to detect — the American Cancer Society explains the signs and symptoms depend on the location of the cancer itself, how large the area is, and if the cancer has spread. Some cancers fail to show any symptoms until they have grown or spread, or the symptoms that are shown may easily be mistaken for symptoms of something else (fever, fatigue, and weight loss can be common in this case). The following 10 cancers can be particularly hard to detect because of their lack of symptoms early on, so continue to receive check-ups annually and know your family history in case you’re more susceptible to any that are listed.

1. Pancreatic cancer 

The pancreas itself is a small organ that rests within the abdomen, and in general, its uses vary from helping with the digestion of food to secreting hormones that help with maintaining proper blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult to diagnose because many people don’t experience symptoms during the early stages. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, there are also no reliable tests for people who may have this cancer if there are no symptoms present.

Some symptoms of pancreatic cancer include pain in the upper abdomen or upper back, the swelling of extremities due to a blood clot, bloated stomach, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, chills, fever, and weight loss. Because pancreatic cancer prevents the body from properly digesting fats, those with the disease may have abnormal stool. Many of these symptoms could easily be seen as a bad stomach virus setting in or even the flu, though, thus making the beginning stages of pancreatic cancer very difficult to detect.

When the cancer begins to spread, jaundice is a common sign, and it can be seen in both the yellowing of the skin and eyes. Fluid in the abdomen and early-onset diabetes are also more advanced signs of the disease.

2. Prostate cancer 

Prostate cancer and other diseases related to the prostate are becoming more prevalent in American men; about one in eight men will develop prostate cancer, and 50% of these cases will occur in men over the age of 50. Prostate Advocates Aiding Choices in Treatments explains prostate cancer can be incredibly difficult to detect because of its general lack of symptoms, and by the time signs are noticeable, the cancer has most likely spread to the bone, where it then becomes much more difficult to treat.

The prostate itself is a gland located at the base of the bladder and around the urethra, and it produces the fluid for sperm. Because the symptoms for prostate cancer and benign prostate enlargement are so similar and become a more common occurrence with age, many men commonly ignore these slight indicators. Some signs to look out for include urinary tract infections and a weak urine stream, blood in the urine, erectile dysfunction, and back pain. If you’re aware that you have a family history of the disease, then watching for these symptoms is crucial, and working to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake as you age can also help to avoid prostate irritation.]

3. Bladder cancer 

While bladder cancer also does not come with a long list of noticeable symptoms, it’s also not a very well-known or heavily discussed disease, which makes it all the more dangerous. According to the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, about 70,000 cases of this disease are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. This cancer is also more likely to occur in older adults, and the exposure to tobacco, industrial solvents, paints, and paint thinners raises this risk.

The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, but that’s about it. You may also notice a more frequent need to urinate or painful urination as well. Signs like pain in the mid-section or the bones in the bladder area indicate it’s already spread. If bladder cancer is in your family history and you experience blood in your urine, it is important to check with an urologist to ensure that you are cancer-free.

4. Colon cancer 

Most men are aware that blood in the stool is a common symptom of colon cancer, but what makes this type of cancer a silent killer is the fact that this blood does not always appear as the bright red color that you may expect. Colorectal cancer arises from a tumor forming in the inner wall of the large intestine says MedicineNet, and most cases form from polyps, which are growths on the inner lining of the colon. Because there are often no symptoms associated with the very early signs of colon cancer, removing any known polyps can greatly reduce your risk of cancer development.

As for symptoms of colon cancer, the most common is having blood in the stool that is dark, black, or tarry, according to Men’s Health. Having blood in your stool does not automatically mean cancer, however; it can also mean you have a bleeding ulcer or ulcerative colitis. Abdominal pain, weight loss, and a loss of appetite can also signify colon cancer.

5. Testicular cancer 

The scary thing about testicular cancer is it’s just as likely to affect men between the ages of 20 and 45 as it is older males, says the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Testicular cancer typically develops in the germ cells, which are sperm-producing cells. While these cancerous tumors typically grow within the testicles, they can also grow near the spine or between the lungs. While testicular cancer sounds daunting, the good news is that it is almost always curable if detected early, and it is typically still treatable even when it hits a later stage.

Some men do not experience many noticeable symptoms at all in the early stages of testicular cancer, but there are a few hallmark signs to look out for and notice if they are to arise. One of the first signs is usually a small lump on the testicle or enlargement of the testicle itself. Though this lump may be no larger than a pea, it’s important to get it checked by a doctor just in case, even if you do not experience any pain or tenderness. Testicular cancer may also cause unevenness in the size of the testicles as well, or an ache in the lower abdomen or groin area.

If you’re concerned you may be experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to notify your doctor to rule out any other causes of testicular discomfort such as infection, injury, or the formation of a cyst.

6. Kidney cancer 

Kidney cancer may not be a type you hear about as frequently as others, but UCLA Health says it affects thousands of men and women each year. If diagnosed early, the chances of survival increase, but once the disease has advanced into later stages, it can be very difficult to treat. The tricky thing, though, is there often aren’t many symptoms early on.

It’s possible to experience pain between the upper abs and back on the side where the cancer is located, and it’s also possible to experience flu-like symptoms, fever, rapid weight loss, and fatigue. Unfortunately, most people do not experience any signs or symptoms until the cancer has reached a more serious stage. When the cancer progresses, blood can be found in the urine, but even that can be hard to spot with your own eyes. If you do detect blood in your urine, you should contact your doctor to get it checked out.

7. Stomach cancer 

We’re all familiar with stomach pain and nausea, but few of us ever consider frequent bouts of gastric pain may actually be related to stomach cancer. According to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, there are actually four different types of stomach cancer. Most cases start within the cells of the innermost stomach lining, and in the early stages, there are often no symptoms.

Some people do experience some stomach pain and nausea with this cancer, but because the symptoms match those of a common bugs, many will not seek medical help. There is one peculiar symptom worth noting: a feeling of being extremely full, even after only eating a small meal. Others experience a lack of appetite and accompanying weight loss or heartburn. If you notice these symptoms and you’re over the age of 55, then it’s a good idea to ask your doctor about screening.   

8. Ovarian cancer 

While men don’t have to worry about this type of cancer, women should be extra vigilant in knowing even the smallest symptoms indicating early ovarian cancer. When abnormal cells in the ovaries begin to multiply out of control, tumors can form and spread to other areas of the body, says Healthline. While there are some symptoms associated with ovarian cancer, they can come and go and are very similar to symptoms for less serious illnesses.

Early symptoms for this disease include abdominal pain and bloating, difficulty eating in general, and an increase in urination. Heartburn, constipation, back pain, menstrual irregularities, and painful intercourse are also associated with ovarian cancer, but again, these symptoms alone may lead you to believe something else is amiss. It’s important to remember these symptoms will persist if cancer is the cause.

While yearly visits to the doctor can often keep you healthy, ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect because there isn’t routine diagnostic screening. That being said, pelvic exams can help doctors find any irregularities. 

9. Liver cancer 

The liver’s function is to filter the blood, so in the case of liver cancer, cancer cells from elsewhere in the body can actually lodge themselves in the liver and grow. The Canadian Liver Foundation says cancers can sometimes begin in the gut and then spread to the liver this way. Liver cancer can also start in the organ itself. Once the disease hits the later stages, it can then spread to other parts of the liver.

In the early stages of liver cancer, there are nearly no symptoms, and those that are present are ones you could attribute to other illnesses. Weight loss, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain may occur. There’s good news for those who have a healthy liver, though — it’s rare to develop the disease out of the blue. But for those who have chronic liver disease, it’s worth being really in tune to these symptoms. 

10. Vaginal cancer 

This type of cancer is rare, but because it has so few symptoms that can easily be ignored, it’s worth mentioning. According to Mayo Clinic, vaginal cancer can occur in multiple ways. The most common type of vaginal cancer starts in the thin, flat cells that line the vagina’s surface, but it can also start in the pigment-producing cells or the connective tissue cells.

Most women who develop vaginal cancer don’t have symptoms early on, but as the cancer progresses, there are certain signs to look out for. Unusual vaginal bleeding may occur, and this can happen after intercourse or menopause. You may also feel a lump in your vagina and have painful, frequent urination.