Which Cancer Symptoms Should You Never Ignore?

Common cancer symptoms you shouldn’t ignore!

There are some common cancer symptoms people shouldn’t ignore. However, early detection can enhance the chances of a successful treatment outcome and improve the overall quality of life.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you have cancer. But early detection can save lives. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, then consult a doctor!

Here are some of the signs, including:

Sudden weight loss

One of the common symptoms of cancer is losing weight without even trying. If you are experiencing unexplained or unintentional weight loss, especially more than 5 kg in a short period of time. This is a great sign and often considered as a first sign of cancer.

Some types of cancer that have a symptom of weight loss include:

• Pancreatic cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Lung cancer

Continuous fatigue or tiredness

If you are experiencing extreme fatigue that doesn’t get better even after taking enough rest. It can be a major sign of cancer because the body is sending signals that show that something is not normal.

If you feel persistent fatigue, it indicates abnormalities in the body, which needs quick attention. 

Some of the cancer that has the same symptoms, including

• Leukemia
• Colon cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Any advanced-stage cancer

Chronic pain

Pain is one of the common symptoms of cancer. However, it can happen due to several health issues. While most cases are not usually related to cancer. A continuous and constant pain also indicates an underlying disease in the body.

Here are some types of pain that shows the signs of cancer, including

• Back pain: Bone or ovarian cancer
• Headaches: Brain tumors
• Abdominal pain: Pancreatic or Liver cancer

If you are experiencing any of these pains and not getting better for more than two weeks, please consult a doctor.  

Easy bleeding and bruising

Any unusual bleeding and easy bruising can be considered as a sign of cancer. Studies suggest that different types of bleeding can indicate different types of cancer in the body.

For example:

• Blood in the stool: Colon or rectal cancer
• Blood in the urine: Bladder or Kidney cancer
• Vaginal bleeding: Cervical or Endometrial cancer

If you are experiencing any of these conditions, then don’t wait, consult a doctor immediately.

Constant cough and hoarseness

A constant cough or hoarseness that lasts more than 3 weeks can be a sign of cancer. Especially if the cough or hoarseness is getting worse over time, then it can be a symptom of these cancers, including

• Lung cancer
• Laryngeal cancer
• Thyroid cancer 

If your voice suddenly changes or starts to experience any chronic hoarseness, then don’t ignore or avoid the signs. 

Lumps or masses in the body

Any unusual lump or mass developing in the body that doesn’t go away should be a sign of cancer, especially when it is painless. Do not ignore when a new lump or mass appears in the body. Try to consult a physician without waiting for further symptoms. 

Lumps can develop in the body, include:

• Breasts
• Neck
• Underarms 
• Testicles

Changes in the bowel or bladder habits

If you notice sudden changes in bowel movements or bladder habits, it can be a significant sign of cancer. Chronic diarrhea, indigestion, and constipation can also be indicators of colorectal cancer. In some cases, frequent or painful urination could be a sign of bladder or prostate cancer.

Difficulty in swallowing

If you are experiencing any kind of difficulty while swallowing foods can also be a sign of cancer. Difficulty in swallowing is also referred to as dysphagia. It can be associated with cancers such as esophagus or throat. If this symptom starts to worsen or continues, then consult with a doctor.