Learn 20 possible warning signs of cancer, including unexplained weight loss, unusual bleeding, persistent pain, and changes in the skin. Discover when symptoms need medical evaluation.
Cancer can sometimes develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they can be subtle and easy to mistake for everyday health problems.
It is important to remember that having one or more of these symptoms does not mean you have cancer. Many are much more commonly caused by infections, hormonal changes, digestive problems, medications, stress, or other non-cancerous conditions.
Still, persistent, unexplained, or worsening changes deserve attention.
Here are 20 signs that should not simply be ignored.
1. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing a significant amount of weight without changing your diet or exercise routine can have many causes.
Some cancers can cause unexplained weight loss because they affect metabolism, appetite, or the body’s ability to use nutrients.
If you continue losing weight without trying, speak with a healthcare professional.
2. Persistent or Extreme Fatigue
Everyone feels tired sometimes, but cancer-related fatigue may be persistent and may not improve adequately with rest.
Fatigue can also result from anemia, thyroid problems, infections, sleep disorders, depression, nutritional deficiencies, and many other conditions.
3. An Unexplained Lump or Swelling
A new lump under the skin, in the breast, neck, armpit, groin, or another area should be evaluated, particularly if it persists or grows.
Most lumps are not cancerous, but changes in a lump should not be ignored.
4. Unusual Bleeding
Unexpected bleeding can be an important warning sign.
Examples include:
- Blood in the stool
- Blood in the urine
- Coughing up blood
- Vomiting blood
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding after menopause
The cause may be something other than cancer, but unexplained bleeding should be medically assessed.
5. Persistent Pain
Pain that doesn’t go away, keeps returning, or gradually becomes worse deserves attention.
The location and characteristics of pain vary depending on the underlying condition. Persistent headaches, abdominal pain, bone pain, or unexplained back pain can have numerous causes, including non-cancerous ones.
6. Changes in Bowel Habits
A persistent change in bowel habits can include:
- New constipation
- Persistent diarrhea
- Narrower-than-usual stools
- A change in stool frequency
- A persistent feeling that you need to have a bowel movement
Occasional digestive changes are common. Persistent or unexplained changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
7. Changes in Urination
Changes such as blood in the urine, persistent pain when urinating, increased frequency, difficulty starting urination, or a change in urinary habits can have several causes.
Some urinary symptoms can be associated with cancers of the urinary tract or prostate, but infections and benign conditions are also common causes.
8. A Persistent Cough
A cough that lasts for weeks without an obvious explanation should be evaluated.
This is particularly important if the cough is accompanied by:
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Repeated respiratory problems
Most persistent coughs are not caused by cancer, but persistent symptoms deserve evaluation.
9. Hoarseness or Voice Changes
A voice that remains hoarse or unusually changed for an extended period can result from reflux, allergies, infection, vocal strain, smoking, and other conditions.
Occasionally, persistent voice changes can be associated with cancers involving the throat or voice box.
10. Difficulty Swallowing
Persistent difficulty swallowing food or liquids is called dysphagia.
It can be caused by reflux, inflammation, neurological disorders, structural problems, and other conditions. In some cases, it can be associated with cancers of the throat or digestive tract.
If swallowing problems persist or worsen, seek medical evaluation.