Cancer is a serious illness that impacts millions worldwide. Sadly, many people overlook its early signs, which can delay diagnosis. Catching cancer early can make a big difference, so it’s crucial to know the warning signs.
Here are 20 common cancer symptoms that are often ignored:
- Unexpected weight loss
Losing weight without trying might be a warning sign of cancer. This could happen because cancer affects your appetite or causes nausea and pain. It might also be linked to chemicals that some cancers, like leukemia or lymphoma, release into the bloodstream.
2. Constant Fatigue
Feeling exhausted all the time, even after proper rest, can be a symptom of cancer. Fatigue is common across all ages and is sometimes caused by other issues like anemia or depression.
3. Ongoing Cough
A cough that doesn’t go away could also point to cancer, especially if it lasts for weeks without improvement.
A cough that lasts more than two weeks might be a warning sign of lung cancer. It can also indicate other lung problems like pneumonia or bronchitis. If you notice blood in your cough, contact your doctor immediately.
4. Shortness of Breath
Having trouble breathing, even when taking deep breaths, could be a sign of lung cancer or other cancers. This condition, called dyspnea, needs medical attention if your breathing feels strained or difficult.
5. Chest Pain
Pain in the chest that doesn’t go away might also signal cancer, especially if it’s sharp, constant, or gets worse with certain movements.
Chest pain could indicate lung cancer or other types of cancer. However, it can also be a sign of a heart attack, which requires immediate medical attention. If you experience chest pain, seek medical help right away.
6. Abdominal Pain
Pain in your abdomen might be a symptom of cancers like ovarian, pancreatic, or liver cancer. It could also point to other issues like intestinal blockage or gallstones. If you have persistent abdominal pain, see your doctor promptly.
7. Changes in Bowel Habits
Any unusual changes in how often you use the bathroom, like diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool size or color, could be a warning sign of colon or other types of cancer.
Changes in your bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation, might be a sign of colon cancer. If you notice these changes, it’s important to see your doctor.
8. Blood in Urine or Stool
Seeing blood in your urine or stool could be a sign of bladder, kidney, or colon cancer. You should visit your doctor if you notice blood in either. Additionally, changes in how often you urinate, or trouble starting or stopping urination, could also point to bladder cancer.
9. Difficulty Swallowing
Having trouble swallowing or feeling like food is stuck in your throat could be a sign of throat, esophageal, or other cancers. If this happens regularly, see a doctor for evaluation
Difficulty swallowing could be a sign of throat cancer or esophageal cancer. See your healthcare provider if you have difficulty swallowing. Difficulty swallowing could also be a symptom of a less serious condition, such as acid reflux or GERD.
10. Hoarseness
Hoarseness could be a sign of throat cancer or laryngeal cancer. See your healthcare provider if you have hoarseness. Hoarseness could also be a symptom of a less serious condition, such as sinusitis or bronchitis.
11. Skin changes
Changes in the skin, such as darkening or yellowing, could be a sign of skin cancer. See your healthcare provider if you have a change in the color or appearance of patches of skin. Skin changes also could be a symptom of a less serious condition, such as psoriasis or eczema.
12. Sores that don’t heal
Sores that don’t heal could be a sign of skin cancer or other types of cancer. See your healthcare provider if you have sores that don’t heal or that bleeds. Sores also could be a symptom of a less serious condition, such as shingles (herpes zoster) or chickenpox.
13. Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen lymph nodes might indicate lymphoma or other types of cancer. However, they could also be caused by less serious conditions like an infection or mononucleosis. If you notice swollen lymph nodes, it’s important to consult your doctor.
14. Headaches
Persistent or worsening headaches could be a sign of brain cancer. However, they could also be caused by stress, sinus infections, or tension headaches. If you have constant or severe headaches, see your healthcare provider.
15. Vision Changes
Changes in your vision, such as blurred or double vision, could be a sign of eye or brain cancer. If you notice these changes, make an appointment with your doctor.
16. Bone Pain
Persistent bone pain could be a sign of bone cancer or cancer that has spread to the bones. However, it could also be caused by conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis. If you experience bone pain that doesn’t improve or gets worse, consult your doctor.
17. Joint Pain
Joint pain that doesn’t go away could be a sign of bone cancer or cancer that has spread to the bones. However, it could also be due to conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis. If your joint pain persists or worsens, it’s important to see your doctor.
18. Nausea and Vomiting
Persistent nausea and vomiting could be a sign of cancer, especially when combined with other symptoms. If you experience these symptoms for more than a day, or if they occur with signs of bone cancer like weight loss, back or chest pain, or changes in bowel habits, contact your healthcare provider right away.
19. Fever
A fever that lasts for several days could be a sign of cancer. If you experience a prolonged fever, especially along with other symptoms like weight loss, back or chest pain, or changes in bowel habits, contact your doctor right away.
20. Night Sweats
Excessive sweating at night, even without physical activity, could be a sign of certain cancers. If night sweats are persistent, it’s important to see your healthcare provider.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection is crucial in the fight against cancer, and the sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of survival.
Cancer Prevention Starts With You
Along with being aware of the signs of cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Protecting your skin from the sun
- Getting regular cancer screenings
By taking these preventive measures and staying alert to the symptoms of cancer, you can better protect yourself and those you care about.