15 Warning Signs of Cancer Growing in Your Body
Cancer is a disease that can go undetected in its early stages. However, recognizing certain warning signs can be crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Here are 15 warning signs that could indicate cancer is growing in your body:
1. Unexplained Weight Loss
If you’re losing weight without trying, it could be an early sign of cancer. Weight loss of 10 pounds or more may be one of the first signs of cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung.
2. Persistent Fatigue
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest could be a sign of cancer. Leukemia and cancers of the colon or stomach can cause blood loss that’s not obvious, leading to persistent tiredness.
3. Fever
A fever that doesn’t go away and is not related to an infection could be a sign of cancer. It can be a symptom of blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma.
4. Pain
Persistent or unexplained pain can be a sign of cancer. Pain may occur with cancers such as bone or testicular cancer. Headaches that do not go away or respond to treatment can be a symptom of brain cancer.
5. Skin Changes
Skin changes, such as a yellowish color (jaundice), darkening (hyperpigmentation), or redness (erythema), could indicate cancer. Sores that don’t heal, lumps that bleed, or changes in warts or moles should also be checked.
6. Change in Bowel or Bladder Habits
Changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the size of your stool, can be a sign of colon cancer. Similarly, urinary symptoms like pain, blood in the urine, or needing to urinate more or less frequently can be related to bladder or prostate cancer.
7. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness
A cough that doesn’t go away or a hoarse voice can be a sign of lung cancer. Hoarseness can also be a symptom of cancer of the larynx or thyroid.
8. Difficulty Swallowing
Trouble swallowing, or feeling like food is stuck in the throat, can be a symptom of cancers of the esophagus, stomach, or throat.
9. Unusual Bleeding or Discharge
Unusual bleeding can occur in early or advanced cancer. Blood in the stool (which may look like very dark or black stool) can be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Blood in the urine may be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. Unusual vaginal bleeding can signal endometrial or cervical cancer.
10. Lumps or Thickening
Any new lump or thickening in the breast, testicle, or elsewhere should be checked by a doctor. Many cancers can be felt through the skin, particularly in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes, and the soft tissues of the body.
11. Indigestion or Trouble Eating
Indigestion or difficulty swallowing that doesn’t go away could be a sign of cancers of the esophagus, stomach, or pharynx (throat).
12. Sores that Do Not Heal
Persistent sores on the skin or mouth that don’t heal can be a sign of skin cancer or oral cancer. White patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue could be signs of leukoplakia, a precancerous area that can develop into oral cancer.
13. Changes in the Mouth
White patches inside the mouth or on the tongue may be precancerous and should be checked by a doctor. Mouth ulcers that do not heal should also be evaluated.
14. Persistent Heartburn or Upset Stomach
Ongoing heartburn or upset stomach may be symptoms of stomach or throat cancer. If you have a persistent stomach issue, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
15. Night Sweats
Excessive sweating at night can be a symptom of some cancers, particularly lymphomas. While night sweats can have many causes, they can be an early sign of cancer.
Conclusion
Recognizing these warning signs does not mean you have cancer, but it is essential to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any persistent or unusual symptoms. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis of many types of cancer. Regular screenings and being aware of changes in your body are key to catching cancer early.