20 Early Signs Your Body May Be Fighting Cancer
Cancer can sometimes cause subtle changes in the body before a person realizes something is wrong. However, many early cancer symptoms are vague and are much more commonly caused by noncancerous conditions. Having one of these signs does not mean you have cancer.
The important thing is to recognize persistent, unexplained changes and get them checked by a healthcare professional.
20 possible warning signs to know
Unexplained weight loss — Losing weight without changing your diet or activity level.
Persistent fatigue — Extreme tiredness that does not improve with adequate rest.
A new lump or swelling — Especially in the breast, neck, armpit, testicle, or groin.
Unusual bleeding — Blood in urine or stool, coughing up blood, or unexpected vaginal bleeding.
A persistent cough — A cough or hoarse voice that does not go away.
Changes in bowel habits — Ongoing constipation, diarrhea, or a noticeable change in stool shape.
Changes in urination — Blood in urine, difficulty urinating, or persistent changes in frequency.
Skin changes — A mole that changes size, shape, or color, or a sore that does not heal.
Persistent or unexplained pain — Pain that continues, worsens, or has no clear cause.
Loss of appetite — Feeling full quickly or having little desire to eat.
Difficulty swallowing — Food feeling stuck or swallowing becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
Persistent indigestion or heartburn — Symptoms that continue despite usual measures.
Abdominal bloating or swelling — Especially if persistent or accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.
Unexplained fever — Recurrent or persistent fever without an obvious cause.
Drenching night sweats — Sweating enough to soak clothing or bedding without a clear explanation.
Easy bruising — Frequent or unexplained bruises or bleeding.
Frequent infections — Repeated or unusual infections that warrant medical evaluation.
Changes in the breast or nipple — Skin dimpling, nipple inversion, unusual discharge, or a change in breast shape.
Mouth changes — A persistent sore, red or white patch, or unexplained bleeding in the mouth.
Persistent headaches or neurological changes — New or worsening headaches, vision changes, weakness, or balance problems.
These warning signs are described by the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute. They can have many causes other than cancer, and some cancers produce no obvious symptoms in their early stages.
American Cancer Society
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When should you see a doctor?
Make an appointment if an unexplained symptom lasts for a couple of weeks, keeps returning, or gets worse.
Seek prompt medical attention for blood in your urine or stool, coughing up blood, a new persistent lump, or unexplained bleeding.
Seek emergency care for severe difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, sudden weakness, or a sudden severe headache.
Don’t wait for pain to appear before seeking help. Appropriate cancer screening can also detect certain cancers before symptoms develop.
NCI
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One important question: Are you looking for general information, or are you experiencing specific symptoms that have made you concerned about cancer? I can help you understand what those symptoms might mean and when to get them checked.