Early Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Cancer is a silent attacker. Often, it starts quietly and shows subtle signs. Detecting these early can help save lives. Below are some of the most common early warning signs of cancer you should be aware of.
1. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying — especially 10 pounds or more — could be an early sign of cancers such as stomach, pancreas, or lung cancer. This happens because cancer cells use up energy or affect metabolism.
2. Persistent Fatigue
Extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest can be a sign of leukemia, colon cancer, or stomach cancer. This fatigue is different from normal tiredness and lasts a long time.
3. Lumps or Swelling
A new lump in the breast, testicles, neck, or underarms can be an early sign of cancer. Not all lumps are cancerous, but they must be checked.
4. Persistent Pain
Pain that doesn't go away and can't be explained may be a warning sign. For example, back pain might relate to ovarian or colon cancer.
5. Skin Changes
New moles, changes in size/color/shape of existing moles, or sores that don’t heal could indicate skin cancer (melanoma).
6. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits
Long-term constipation, diarrhea, or blood in stool may be early signs of colorectal cancer. Urinary changes can signal bladder or prostate cancer.
7. Unusual Bleeding or Discharge
Blood in urine, coughing up blood, or abnormal vaginal bleeding could be signs of cancers like lung, cervical, or bladder cancer.
8. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness
A chronic cough or hoarseness lasting more than three weeks could be a sign of lung or throat cancer.
9. Difficulty Swallowing
Trouble swallowing may be an early symptom of esophageal or throat cancer.
10. Sores That Don’t Heal
Mouth sores, skin wounds, or ulcers that don’t heal could be early warning signs of skin, oral, or other types of cancer. If this happens, effective action must be taken immediately after consulting with a specialist doctor.
