Cancer is a complex disease that often develops silently in its early stages. Because many cancers don’t cause noticeable symptoms until they have advanced, recognizing early warning signs is crucial for early detection and better treatment outcomes. While not all symptoms indicate cancer, certain changes in the body should never be ignored. Below are ten warning signs that could suggest the presence of cancer.

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexpected and abrupt weight loss may be a precursor to cancer. If you lose more than 10 pounds (4.5 kg) without changes in your diet or exercise habits, it could be a signal that something is wrong. Many cancers, including those of the stomach, pancreas, esophagus, and lungs, can cause significant weight loss as the body uses more energy to fight the disease or as the cancer interferes with normal metabolic processes.

2. Persistent Fatigue

While feeling tired occasionally is normal, persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest could be a sign of an underlying health issue, including cancer. Cancers like leukemia, colon cancer, or stomach cancer can cause overwhelming fatigue, as the body diverts energy to fighting the disease. If you find yourself constantly exhausted despite adequate sleep, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

3. Changes in Skin

Certain changes in the skin can indicate skin cancer, but other cancers can also cause noticeable skin changes. Watch for new moles, sores that don’t heal, or changes in the size, shape, or color of existing moles. Additionally, other forms of cancer can cause skin darkening, yellowing (jaundice), or itching. These changes should not be ignored, especially if they appear suddenly or worsen over time.

4. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness

A cough that doesn’t go away, especially if it lasts more than a few weeks, can be an early sign of lung cancer. Persistent hoarseness can also indicate cancers of the throat, larynx (voice box), or thyroid. While coughs and hoarseness can occur with colds or allergies, a cough that is accompanied by blood or worsens over time should be investigated.

5. Unusual Bleeding or Discharge

Unusual bleeding can occur in various types of cancer. For example, blood in the stool can be a sign of colorectal cancer, while blood in the urine can indicate bladder or kidney cancer. For women, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, especially between periods or after menopause, could signal uterine or cervical cancer. Unexplained bleeding from other areas, such as coughing up blood or unusual nasal bleeding, should also be addressed immediately.

6. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

Changes in bowel habits like prolonged diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the shape and color of stool (such as narrow, pencil-thin stools) could be warning signs of colorectal cancer. Blood in the stool is a particularly concerning sign. Similarly, changes in urinary habits, such as frequent urination, pain during urination, or blood in the urine, may be linked to cancers of the bladder, kidney, or prostate.

7. Lumps or Thickened Areas

A lump or thickened area in the breast, testicle, or other areas of the body could indicate cancer. Cancerous lumps are often painless, firm, and immovable, although not all lumps are cancerous. Breast cancer and testicular cancer are particularly associated with lumps, but lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin that become swollen or persistently enlarged may also indicate cancers of the lymphatic system or other malignancies.

8. Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can be an early symptom of esophageal or throat cancer, as well as cancers of the stomach. This symptom may be accompanied by weight loss and discomfort when eating. Although occasional trouble swallowing is common, persistent or worsening dysphagia should be taken seriously.

9. Persistent Pain

While pain can have many causes, persistent, unexplained pain may signal cancer, particularly if it is not related to an injury or doesn’t improve with treatment. For example, chronic headaches that don’t respond to usual medications could indicate a brain tumor, while persistent back pain could signal cancer in the bones, ovaries, or colon. Any prolonged, unusual pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

10. Sores That Don’t Heal

Sores that don’t heal, particularly in the mouth or on the skin, could be an early sign of cancer. Mouth sores, especially those that last for weeks, bleed easily, or are painful, could indicate oral cancer. Similarly, sores on the skin that don’t heal or appear to grow could be a sign of skin cancer. Ulcers that linger, especially if they are red, scaly, or bleed, should not be ignored.

Conclusion

Cancer can present in many different ways, and its early signs are often subtle or easily confused with less serious conditions. However, paying attention to changes in your body and recognizing these warning signs can lead to early detection, which is crucial for effective treatment. If you notice any of these symptoms persisting for several weeks or worsening over time, it’s important to seek medical advice. Early intervention can save lives and greatly improve outcomes.