Top 10 Cancer Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Unexplained Weight Loss

Sudden and unexplained weight loss can be a red flag. While its common to lose weight due to diet changes or stress, shedding more than 10 pounds without trying can be an early sign of cancers.

Persistent Fatigue

Fatigue is normal after a long day, but constant exhaustion without a clear cause can signal cancer, especially if rest doesn’t help.

Lumps or Swelling

Finding a lump, whether it’s in your breast, armpit, neck, or other parts of your body, can be a symptom of cancer.

Changes in Skin

Skin cancer isnt the only type of cancer that can cause skin changes. Look out for moles that change shape, size, or color, as well as yellowing, darkening, or redness of the skin.

Unexplained Pain

Persistent, unexplained pain, whether it’s in your bones, head, or back, can be a symptom of cancer.

Unusual Bleeding or Discharge

Blood in the urine might be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer, while bloody stools could indicate colon or rectal cancer. Women experiencing unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause, should get checked.

Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

Sudden, unexplained changes in bowel movements (constipation or narrowing of stools) or urinary frequency and urgency might be indicators of colorectal or bladder cancer.

Difficulty Swallowing

Ongoing difficulty swallowing, or feeling like food is stuck in your throat, can be a symptom of throat or esophageal cancer. Though it can be caused by other conditions like acid reflux, persistent trouble swallowing warrants a checkup.

Unexplained Fever or Night Sweats

Frequent fevers or night sweats can indicate cancer, especially leukemia or lymphoma. These cancers can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature. If fever or night sweats occur without other clear causes like infection, it’s best to consult a doctor.

Chronic Cough or Hoarseness

A cough that lasts more than three weeks or hoarseness that doesn’t resolve might suggest lung, throat, or thyroid cancer. While infections and allergies often cause these symptoms, persistent issues need medical evaluation, especially if you’re a smoker.