Cancer can develop anywhere in the body and is often curable if detected early. Being aware of the potential warning signs of cancer can help you seek medical attention promptly, leading to earlier diagnosis and more successful treatment. Here are 7 common warning signs of cancer in body that you should watch out for:
1. Unexplained Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss of 10 pounds or more may be an early sign of cancer, even if you are not actively trying to lose weight. This happens most often with cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung. Rapid and unexplained weight loss can occur when cancerous tumors produce chemicals that suppress appetite or due to the body burning more calories to supply the growing tumor. Consult your doctor if you experience sudden weight loss.
2. Fever or Chills
Fever that persists for weeks and cannot be explained by an infection or other underlying health condition may indicate the presence of cancer. This often signals cancers of the blood, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Cancer causes the immune system to work overtime, resulting in fever and chills. Seek medical evaluation if you have an unexplained fever.
3. Fatigue
Chronic tiredness and exhaustion may point to cancer. Fatigue related to cancer often comes on suddenly and does not improve with rest. Persistent lack of energy should always be checked out by a doctor. Fatigue is most commonly linked with leukemia, colon, prostate, and lung cancers.
4. Skin Changes
Unusual skin lesions or changes to moles may be early melanoma warning signs. Keep an eye out for any new moles or growths on the skin or changes in the size, shape, or color of existing spots. Also look for sores that won’t heal or heal very slowly. These should all be inspected by a dermatologist.
5. Changes in Bowel Habits
Persistent changes to your bathroom habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, more narrow stools, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely may signal colon cancer. Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools are also red flags for colorectal cancer. See your doctor if you have any bowel changes that do not go away.
6. Unusual Bleeding
Cancers of the cervix, vagina, or uterus can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding like heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after menopause. Blood in the urine may indicate bladder or kidney cancer, while coughing up blood may be a sign of lung cancer. Any abnormal bleeding should be checked by your physician.
7. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness
A cough that lasts more than a month or starts changing may indicate lung cancer. Hoarseness that hangs around for more than two weeks, especially in smokers, should be evaluated by a doctor. This may be a warning sign for cancers of the larynx or thyroid. Do not ignore a chronic cough as it could be a sign of cancer.
Conclusion
Unexplained weight loss, fever, fatigue, skin changes, bowel changes, abnormal bleeding are few Warning Signs of Cancer in the Body. It’s important to listen to your body and know what is normal for you. See your doctor promptly if you notice any unusual changes that persist. Early detection saves lives. Don’t wait – if you spot any of these cancer warning signs, make an appointment with your physician right away. Catching cancer early on greatly improves outcomes. Increased awareness of your body can help you find cancer in its initial stages when it is most treatable.