Cancer can develop silently, but there are certain symptoms that may serve as early warning signs. While these symptoms don’t always indicate cancer, persistent or unexplained changes in your body should not be ignored.
Common Warning Signs:
- Unexplained weight loss – Losing more than 10% of your body weight in a few months without changes in diet or exercise could be a warning sign of cancers such as pancreatic, stomach, esophageal, or lung cancer.
- Persistent fatigue – Constant tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest may be linked to various cancers, including leukemia or colon cancer.
- Chronic cough or hoarseness – A cough that lasts for weeks, especially with blood, can be a symptom of lung cancer.
- Changes in the skin – New or changing moles, sores that don’t heal, or unusual skin discoloration should be checked for possible skin cancer.
- Difficulty swallowing – Ongoing trouble swallowing may be related to esophageal or throat cancer.
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits – Persistent constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or frequent urination could signal colorectal or bladder cancer.
- Unusual bleeding – Blood in urine or stool, or unexpected bleeding between menstrual cycles, should be evaluated by a doctor.
- Persistent pain – Long-lasting pain in specific areas without an apparent cause can sometimes be linked to cancer.
What to Do?
Experiencing one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. However, if any of these issues persist or worsen, it’s essential to consult a doctor for further evaluation. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
