Did you know more than 1 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year? Early detection through cancer screenings can provide more options for fighting the disease.

Talk to your primary care physician about your medical history and whether you need a screening. If you do not have a primary care physician, contact an Emory registered nurse at 404-727-1111 to schedule an appointment.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer and would like a second opinion, please contact 404-727-1111.

NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers are recognized for the depth and breadth of their basic science and clinical research, in addition to cancer prevention, control, and population/behavioral sciences. There are currently 49 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers.

Designation requires effective collaboration among various disciplines and with our community partners in private practice and in academic centers throughout Georgia and across the nation.

With this recognition comes the responsibility to provide public information, education and outreach to other health care professionals and the community.

Winship's comprehensive designation was awarded after a rigorous evaluation process conducted by the NCI that included submission of a written grant and a site visit conducted by more than two dozen scientists from peer institutions.

When it comes to cancer, offense is the best defense. Watch for some of these potential warning signs for cancer and don't hesitate to see a doctor if you experience any of them.

1. Persistent cough or hoarseness that does not go away: There are many simple explanations for a chronic cough or hoarseness, such as postnasal drip, a respiratory infection or laryngitis. These conditions can be corrected with relatively simple treatments. However, a cough that lasts more than three or four weeks could be caused by something more serious.

2. Obvious changes in a wart or mole. As we get older, skin marks may multiply or darken over time. It's normal. Be that as it may, moles, warts or birthmarks that change in size, shape or color could be warning signs of skin cancer. Know your skin.

3. Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere: Lumps, bumps and swelling can show up on our bodies for various reasons. The majority can be attributed to a specific trauma or activity and may be innocuous. In rare cases, bumps that cannot be explained and are large, hard and painless to the touch may be a cause for concern.

4. A sore that does not heal: We all get scraped up from time to time. But if an open sore anywhere on the body (including the mouth or genital area) doesn't disappear after six weeks, it's time to see a health care professional.

5. Changes in bowel or bladder habits: A surprising number of things can affect the color and odor of urine and the frequency or appearance of feces; most are harmless and temporary. Blood or a persistent change in bowel or bladder habits, though, could be related to colon, bladder, prostate or colorectal cancer.

6. Unusual bleeding or discharge: Often times, women do not register the symptoms of the five main gynecological cancers as something to worry about. Do not ignore pain or any abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge between periods, after intercourse or after menopause.

7. Eating problems, such as trouble swallowing or heartburn/indigestion that lasts for days. Pains associated with eating too quickly or overindulging at the local buffet can usually be soothed with over-the-counter medications. But, consistent trouble swallowing or constant pain in the mouth, throat, neck or upper abdomen warrants a trip to the doctor.

Source: Emory Healthcare

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