Unexplained weight loss—such as losing 10 pounds or more without trying—is one of the early signs that could indicate cancer. While it can be easy to dismiss weight loss as a result of stress or diet changes, it can also be a red flag for cancers like pancreatic, lung, or stomach cancer. In many cases, cancer causes weight loss by altering the body’s metabolism, causing it to burn calories faster or in an inefficient way. Sometimes, the weight loss is due to the body’s response to the tumor, especially when it produces substances that lead to fat and muscle loss.
People experiencing unexplained weight loss should always consult a doctor, especially if other symptoms, such as fatigue or digestive issues, are present. Since weight loss can happen gradually, it’s important to track your body changes and discuss any concerning trends with a healthcare professional. Early detection of cancer, prompted by unusual symptoms like this, can make a critical difference in treatment outcomes.
Fatigue is common, but chronic fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest could be a sign of something more serious, including cancer. Many types of cancer, such as leukemia, colon cancer, or stomach cancer, can cause overwhelming exhaustion. This type of fatigue is different from the usual tiredness after a long day or poor sleep. It often feels like a deep, persistent weakness that affects your ability to do everyday tasks.
Cancer-related fatigue may be caused by the body using energy to fight the disease, anemia due to cancer, or even the cancer cells themselves releasing toxins that drain energy. If you’re experiencing fatigue that doesn’t improve after a good night’s sleep, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss, fever, or pain, it’s crucial to get checked out by a doctor. Chronic fatigue may not always be cancer, but it’s a symptom worth investigating.
Changes in your skin’s appearance can be more than just cosmetic issues; they might be early warning signs of cancer. Skin changes such as darkening, yellowing (jaundice), persistent itching, or unusual redness can sometimes be linked to underlying cancers like melanoma, liver cancer, or pancreatic cancer. These symptoms occur when the body responds to the tumor’s presence or when cancer interferes with how organs like the liver or skin function.
Jaundice, for example, may suggest issues with the liver or pancreas, while unexplained itching or redness could indicate lymphoma or other internal cancers. If you notice a mole changing shape, color, or size, or any other unusual changes in your skin that don’t go away, be aware. Many skin cancers are highly treatable when detected early, making it crucial to pay attention to your body’s outward signals.
A cough that won’t go away or persistent hoarseness can be more than just the result of a cold or allergies. In some cases, these symptoms could point to lung cancer, throat cancer, or even cancers of the esophagus. A cancerous cough often doesn’t improve over time and might be accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or even coughing up blood.
Hoarseness, particularly if it lasts for more than a few weeks, can be an early indicator of cancers affecting the throat, voice box (larynx), or thyroid. While many of these symptoms can be caused by less serious conditions, like laryngitis or a respiratory infection, identifying these signs early can make a significant difference in diagnosis and treatment success.
Unexplained bruising or bleeding can be alarming, especially when it occurs frequently or without injury. These symptoms may suggest a blood-related cancer, like leukemia, where the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells is compromised. Leukemia can cause abnormal bruising because it affects the blood’s ability to clot properly.
Bleeding in unusual places, such as from the gums or nose, or finding blood in urine or stool, can also be signs of cancer affecting organs like the colon, bladder, or kidneys. In some cases, unexplained bleeding is linked to cancers that cause internal damage. These symptoms can be early clues to cancers that benefit from early detection.
Recurring infections or frequent fevers that don’t have an obvious cause can be a sign that the body’s immune system is compromised, possibly by cancer. Blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma often weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off everyday infections. People with these cancers might notice frequent colds, sinus infections, or other illnesses that take longer to recover from than usual.
Leukemia, in particular, can cause infections because it affects white blood cells, which are crucial for immune defense. Repeated infections or fevers should not be ignored, especially if they come with other symptoms like fatigue or weight loss.
Difficulty swallowing, or the sensation that food is getting stuck, can be a symptom of cancers affecting the throat, esophagus, or stomach. This issue, known as dysphagia, might start subtly, with only occasional discomfort while eating, but can worsen over time. It can be a sign of esophageal cancer or even throat cancer, where tumors can block or narrow the passageways.
Sometimes, this symptom is accompanied by chest pain, regurgitation, or weight loss. People with persistent swallowing difficulties should seek medical advice, especially if the issue persists or worsens. Early diagnosis of cancers that cause swallowing issues is critical, as treatments are more effective in the early stages.
Changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as chronic diarrhea, constipation, or the presence of blood in stool or urine, can be warning signs of cancer. Colorectal cancer often presents with bowel issues, including a change in stool consistency or unexplained blood. Similarly, bladder cancer may cause frequent urination, pain while urinating, or blood in the urine.
These changes can be subtle at first but may worsen over time. They can also be mistaken for less serious conditions like hemorrhoids, infections, or irritable bowel syndrome. However, if these symptoms persist, it’s crucial to get evaluated by a healthcare professional. Early detection of bowel or bladder cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Frequent indigestion or ongoing stomach pain might seem like minor digestive issues, but they can also be early signs of gastrointestinal cancers, including stomach or esophageal cancer. While indigestion is common and usually not serious, persistent discomfort that doesn’t go away with diet changes or over-the-counter medications should raise concern.
Stomach pain related to cancer might feel different from regular indigestion, often accompanied by bloating, a feeling of fullness even after small meals, or unexplained weight loss. If you experience prolonged or worsening symptoms, especially if combined with other digestive issues, it’s important to see a doctor for further evaluation.
Chronic, unexplained pain in bones or specific areas of the body can sometimes be linked to cancer. Cancers like bone cancer or metastatic cancer, which spreads to the bones from other parts of the body, can cause ongoing pain that doesn’t result from injury. This pain might be sharp, dull, or throbbing, and often worsens over time.
Pain from cancer can also occur in areas where tumors press against nerves or organs. It’s easy to dismiss these aches as part of aging or overuse, but if the pain persists and has no clear cause, it’s worth getting checked by a healthcare provider. Early detection of cancers that cause pain can lead to more effective treatment options.
