Cancer is a complex and serious disease that can manifest in various ways depending on the type and location of the cancer. Recognizing early symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
While many symptoms listed below may also be caused by less severe conditions, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or unexplained changes in your body. Here are 17 cancer symptoms you shouldn’t ignore :
1. Unexplained Weight Loss
- Why It Matters : Sudden or significant weight loss without trying (e.g., 10 pounds or more) can be a sign of cancers like pancreatic, stomach, lung, or esophageal cancer.
- What to Do : If you’re losing weight unintentionally, see your doctor to rule out underlying causes.
2. Persistent Fatigue
- Why It Matters : Extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest could indicate cancers such as leukemia, colon cancer, or other advanced cancers.
- What to Do : Track your energy levels and consult a doctor if fatigue persists despite adequate sleep and nutrition.
3. Changes in Skin Appearance
- Why It Matters : New moles, changes in existing moles (size, shape, color), or sores that don’t heal could signal skin cancer, including melanoma.
- What to Do : Perform regular skin checks and visit a dermatologist if you notice any suspicious changes.
4. Persistent Pain
- Why It Matters : Chronic pain in a specific area (e.g., back, abdomen, bones) may indicate cancers such as bone cancer, ovarian cancer, or pancreatic cancer.
- What to Do : Don’t dismiss ongoing pain; seek medical advice to determine the cause.
5. Unusual Bleeding or Discharge
- Why It Matters : Blood in stool, urine, or vomit, or abnormal vaginal bleeding, could point to cancers like colorectal, bladder, kidney, or cervical cancer.
- What to Do : Report any unusual bleeding to your doctor immediately.
6. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness
- Why It Matters : A cough that doesn’t go away or hoarseness lasting more than a few weeks could indicate lung cancer or throat cancer.
- What to Do : Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider, especially if you’re a smoker or have a history of smoking.
7. Difficulty Swallowing
- Why It Matters : Trouble swallowing (dysphagia) can be a symptom of esophageal, throat, or stomach cancer.
- What to Do : Mention this symptom to your doctor, who may recommend imaging tests or an endoscopy.
8. Changes in Bowel Habits
- Why It Matters : Diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool size/color that persist for more than a few weeks could signal colorectal cancer.
- What to Do : Keep track of your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor, especially if accompanied by abdominal pain or rectal bleeding.
9. Frequent Infections or Bruising
- Why It Matters : Recurrent infections, easy bruising, or unusual bleeding could indicate blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma.
- What to Do : Seek medical attention if you notice frequent infections or unexplained bruising.
10. Lumps or Thickening
- Why It Matters : A lump or thickened tissue in the breast, testicle, or other areas may suggest breast cancer, testicular cancer, or soft tissue sarcoma.
- What to Do : Perform self-exams regularly and report any new lumps to your doctor.
11. Bloating or Abdominal Swelling
- Why It Matters : Persistent bloating, swelling, or pain in the abdomen could indicate ovarian cancer, liver cancer, or stomach cancer.
- What to Do : If bloating doesn’t resolve after dietary adjustments, consult a healthcare provider.
12. Night Sweats
- Why It Matters : Excessive sweating at night, unrelated to room temperature or bedding, can be associated with lymphoma or other cancers.
- What to Do : Keep a record of your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor.
13. Changes in Urination
- Why It Matters : Frequent urination, pain during urination, or blood in urine may signal prostate cancer, bladder cancer, or kidney cancer.
- What to Do : Visit a urologist for further evaluation if these symptoms occur.
14. Indigestion or Difficulty Digesting Food
- Why It Matters : Persistent indigestion, nausea, or difficulty digesting food can be signs of stomach or esophageal cancer.
- What to Do : Consult a gastroenterologist if antacids or dietary changes don’t help.
15. Fever Without an Obvious Cause
- Why It Matters : A prolonged fever that isn’t linked to an infection could indicate blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma.
- What to Do : See a doctor if the fever persists for more than a week or recurs frequently.
16. Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes (Jaundice)
- Why It Matters : Jaundice is often a sign of liver problems, including liver cancer or bile duct cancer.
- What to Do : Seek immediate medical attention if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes.
17. Nipple Changes
- Why It Matters : Changes in the nipple, such as inversion, scaling, or discharge, could indicate breast cancer.
- What to Do : Schedule a mammogram or breast exam if you notice any unusual changes.