Cancer is a deadly disease that can affect any part of the body and can have serious consequences if not diagnosed and treated on time.
Unfortunately, most types of cancer cause symptoms that are easily confused with other conditions or dismissed as minor health issues. However, if you notice any of the following signs of cancer, it’s important to seek medical attention right away to rule out or confirm your suspicions:.
Unexplained Weight Loss
If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight without changing your diet or exercise routine, this could be a sign of cancer.
Rapid weight loss can occur due to the body’s inability to absorb nutrients efficiently, which often accompanies cancer. If you’ve lost 10 pounds or more in a short amount of time, you should seek medical attention.
Changes in the Skin
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and it can take many different forms. Some signs to watch out for include:.
- A mole or spot that changes in shape, size, or color
- A sore that doesn’t heal or that bleeds easily
- A spot or lump that’s painful or itchy
Persistent Cough or Hoarseness
A cough that lasts more than three weeks, or that is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood, can be a sign of lung cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor.
Bloating or Abdominal Pain
If you experience persistent bloating or abdominal pain, this could be a sign of ovarian cancer.
Unfortunately, this type of cancer often goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice any unusual symptoms in your abdominal area.
Unexplained Fatigue
Feeling tired or fatigued all the time, even after getting enough sleep, could be a sign of cancer.
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While fatigue can be caused by many things, including stress and illness, if you’ve been feeling unusually fatigued for an extended period of time, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.
Bleeding
Unexplained bleeding from any part of the body, or blood in coughs, urine, or stool should be regarded as a potential sign of cancer. If you experience any unusual bleeding, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Difficulty Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing or persistent indigestion can be symptoms of esophageal, stomach, or throat cancer. These symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions, but it’s important to get them checked out by a doctor.
Persistent Headaches
If you experience headaches that don’t go away, or that are accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea or vision changes, this could be a sign of a brain or other kind of cancer.
Persistent headaches can be caused by many things, but if they persist or become more severe, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.
Changes in Urination
If you notice any changes in your urinary habits, including difficulty urinating, pain during urination, or blood in your urine, this could be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer.
These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, but it’s important to get them checked out by a doctor.
Breast Changes
Changes in the breast, including lumps, swelling, or discharge from the nipple, can be signs of breast cancer. While many breast lumps are benign, it’s important to get them checked out by a doctor to rule out cancer.
