An explanation of the 17 signs and symptoms of cancer
1. Abnormal periods or pelvic pain
Most women occasionally have irregular period or cramps. But ongoing pain or changes in your cycle can be a sign of cervical cancer, endometrial cancer or ovarian cancer.
2. Changes in bathroom habits
Major changes in bodily functions can indicate colon cancer, prostate cancer or bladder cancer, among other cancers. Important signs to be aware of include persistent constipation or diarrhea; black or red blood in your stool; black, tarry stools; more frequent urination; and blood in your urine.
3. Bloating
We all feel bloated now and then. But bloating for more than two weeks can be a sign of ovarian cancer, as well as various gastrointestinal cancers.
4. Breast changes
These include a new lump, dimpling, discoloring, changes around the nipple or unusual discharge. Although breast cancer mostly occurs in women, men can develop it too.
5. Chronic coughing
A cough that persists for more than two weeks, especially a dry cough, can be a sign of lung cancer.
6. Chronic headache
A headache that lasts more than two weeks and doesn't respond to the usual medications can be caused by a brain tumor.
7. Difficulty swallowing
If you feel as though food is getting stuck in your throat or you have trouble swallowing for more than two weeks, this can be a sign of throat cancer, lung cancer or stomach cancer.
8. Excessive bruising
A bruise on your shin from bumping into the coffee table is normal. But suddenly getting a lot of bruises in unusual places you don’t remember bumping can indicate various blood cancers.
9. Frequent fevers or infections
Spiking a fever over and over or going immediately from one infection to the next can indicate an immune system that's been affected by leukemia or lymphoma (Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s).
10. Oral changes
Persistent sores, lesions or painful areas in the mouth, especially in people who smoke or drink heavily, can indicate various oral cancers.
11. Skin changes
Any changes in the appearance of a mole or birthmark could be indicative of skin cancer and should be evaluated. To remember which changes could be cause for concern, try using this memory aid, ABCDE.
- Asymmetry. One half of the mole or mark doesn't look like the other.
- Border. The edges are irregular or blurred.
- Color. It’s varied or inconsistent, and it’s both black and brown.
- Diameter. It’s larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
- Evolving. It grows, bleeds or otherwise changes over time.
12. Pain that lasts
Persistent pain anywhere in your body that has no clear cause and doesn't respond to standard treatments should be evaluated.
13. Persistent fatigue
A sudden, lasting change in your energy level, no matter how much sleep you get, can be a sign of lymphoma or leukemia.
14. Postmenopausal bleeding
There are a number of reasons you may experience bleeding after menopause, but if it persists, your doctor may want to check for cervical cancer or endometrial cancer.
15. Stomach pain or nausea
Unusual stomach discomfort that lasts more than two weeks can be a warning sign of liver cancer, pancreatic cancer or various digestive system cancers.
16. Unexplained weight loss
In most people, weight goes up and down. But losing weight when you're not trying or losing your appetite for what seems like no reason can potentially indicate many types of cancers, especially ones that have spread.
17. Unusual lumps
Any new lump or mass that doesn't go away should be evaluated. Lymph nodes, the small glands in the armpits, groin and neck that produce white blood cells to help fight infection, often become swollen when you have a cold. But if the swelling persists after you’re well, you should contact your doctor.
