🚩 19 Possible Signs of Cancer: When to See a Doctor

 

• Losing 10+ pounds without trying
• Can be a sign of cancers like pancreas, stomach, lung, or esophagus

🩺 Always investigate unexplained weight loss.

2. Fever That Won’t Go Away

• Persistent low-grade fever
• May indicate blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma

✅ Especially if no infection is present.

3. Extreme Fatigue

• Tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest
• Can be linked to many cancers, including colon and leukemia

💤 Not just “being busy” — this is deep, constant exhaustion.

4. Pain That Persists

• Unexplained back pain (pancreatic cancer)
• Bone pain (bone or metastatic cancer)
• Headaches that worsen (brain tumors)

✅ Pain that doesn’t respond to usual treatment needs evaluation.

5. Skin Changes

• Yellowing (jaundice) — liver or pancreatic cancer
• Darkening — adrenal or liver issues
• Redness or sores that don’t heal — skin cancer

🌞 See a dermatologist for any new or changing skin lesion.

6. Change in Bowel or Bladder Habits

• Diarrhea, constipation, or bleeding — possible colon cancer
• Painful urination, blood in urine — bladder or prostate cancer

✅ Don’t assume it’s just a UTI or hemorrhoids.

7. Sores That Don’t Heal

• Mouth sores, skin ulcers, or vaginal sores lasting weeks
• Can be a sign of oral, skin, or cervical cancer

8. White Patches in the Mouth (Leukoplakia)

• Thick, white patches on the tongue or cheeks
• Can be pre-cancerous — especially in tobacco users

🚨 See a doctor for evaluation.

9. Unusual Bleeding or Discharge

• Blood in stool, urine, or sputum
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Nipple discharge (especially bloody)

❗ These are not normal — even if they happen once.

10. Lump or Thickening in the Breast or Elsewhere

• Breast, testicle, neck, or soft tissue lumps
• Should be evaluated with imaging or biopsy

✅ Monthly self-checks are helpful — but not a substitute for screening.

11. Indigestion or Trouble Swallowing

• Persistent heartburn or feeling food “stuck”
• Possible esophageal or throat cancer

🍽️ If it lasts more than 2–3 weeks, see a doctor.

12. Nagging Cough or Hoarseness

• A cough that won’t go away — especially in smokers
• Hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks

✅ Could be lung, throat, or thyroid cancer.

13. Neurological Changes

• Headaches with vomiting or vision changes
• Seizures, confusion, or balance issues

🧠 Could indicate a brain tumor.

14. Swollen Lymph Nodes

• Lumps in the neck, armpit, or groin that don’t go away
• Can be a sign of lymphoma or metastatic cancer

✅ Most are from infection — but persistent ones need testing.

15. Night Sweats

• Drenching sweats not related to heat or menopause
• Common in lymphoma and other blood cancers

16. Changes in a Mole

• Asymmetry, irregular borders, color changes, diameter >6mm, evolving
• The ABCDE rule for melanoma

📸 Take photos to track changes.

17. Abdominal Swelling or Bloating

• Persistent bloating in women — possible ovarian cancer
• Often mistaken for digestive issues

✅ If it lasts more than 2 weeks, get it checked.

18. Loss of Appetite

• Sudden disinterest in food
• Often linked to stomach, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer

19. Easy Bruising or Bleeding

• Unexplained bruises, nosebleeds, or gum bleeding
• Can indicate blood disorders or leukemia