When it comes to our health, it’s understandable that we can jump to conclusions for every little ache or pain, sometimes thinking the worst, such as cancer. However, not all symptoms indicate cancer or any other severe health problem.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the eight warning signs that aren’t cancer.

1. Frequent headaches

Headaches are a prevalent condition for many people. Although headaches can be an indicator of something severe, such as a brain tumor, most headaches are caused due to some other common reasons, such as:.

Dehydration
Stress and anxiety
Eye strain
Lack of sleep
High blood pressure

If you experience headaches frequently, do not panic and immediately assume it’s cancer. Try to keep track of how often you get headaches, what triggers them, and if they go away with over-the-counter pain medication.

2. Sudden weight loss

While sudden weight loss is a warning sign of various diseases, it doesn’t necessarily mean cancer. There are many reasons why someone might lose weight quickly, such as:.

Depression and anxiety
Diabetes
Thyroid problems
Inflammatory bowel disease
Stress
Eating disorders

Suppose you experience unexplained weight loss without any significant life changes such as a new exercise routine or diet change. In that case, it’s best to check with a doctor to ensure there is nothing wrong.

3. Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath can be caused by cancer, but there are many other reasons why someone might experience difficulty breathing. Respiratory infections, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a few examples.

Shortness of breath can also occur due to anxiety, stress, and panic attacks.

If your shortness of breath is triggered due to physical activity or temporarily subsides when resting, it is probably due to non-cancerous causes.

However, if the sudden breathlessness persists over a period, it’s essential to seek medical attention.

4. Chest pain

There are several reasons why you might experience chest pain other than cancer. Musculoskeletal pains like costochondritis, an inflammation of the rib cartilage, or gastric reflux can cause severe chest discomfort.

However, chest pain should be evaluated immediately since it can be an indicator of a heart attack or gallbladder disease.

5. Extreme fatigue

Although fatigue is a common symptom found in cancer patients, it’s also a warning sign of several other health issues. Some of the most common causes are:.

Thyroid problems
Iron deficiency
Lupus
Depression and anxiety
Multiple sclerosis

If you feel exhausted all the time, even after very little activity, you might want to get a blood test to make sure your iron levels are normal or consult a physician.

6. Changes in Bowel Habits

Changes in bowel habits are sometimes an alarming sign of colorectal cancer. However, there are many reasons why someone could experience changes in their bowel habits, such as:.

Antibiotic use
Inflammatory bowel disease
Stress
Changes to diet

If you experience a sudden change in the look, frequency, or consistency of your bowel movements, it’s best to check with your doctor.

7. Skin Changes

Skin changes are sometimes associated with skin cancer. However, they might be due to other factors like aging skin or mild skin conditions such as a rash or eczema. If you notice a drastic change in the appearance of a skin blemish or spot.

Important signs to looks for:.

Borders
Color
Diameter
Evolving

If the growth suddenly or slowly changes to multiple colors, becomes larger than a pencil eraser head, has an irregular border, or has a landscape surface, consult a dermatologist immediately for evaluation.

8. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Bleeding between periods or bleeding after menopause can be terrifying, but it doesn’t always indicate cancer. Many other underlying conditions can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as:.

Uterine fibroids
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Endometriosis
Thyroid problems

If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, don’t assume it is cancer. Instead, speak to a specialist or a physician.

Conclusion

Although experiencing any warning sign can be scary and panic-inducing, it’s essential not to jump to conclusions without getting yourself checked by a professional.

The items discussed above are just some of the possible causes of the warning signs and are not always a tell-tale sign up cancer.

Always keep track and monitor your symptoms, talk to your doctor, and ask for explanations. Remember, early detection is key to treating any disease effectively.