Many cancer signs mimic symptoms of other diseases or conditions, so it’s easy to brush them aside. All the doctors we interviewed agreed: Know your body, and if you notice an unusual pain or other change that persists and gets worse, head to the doctor.
When it comes to aches, pains and other health problems, just because something seems minor doesn't mean you shouldn't take it seriously. In fact, new research finds that even common ailments can actually be the first warning signs of cancer.
Turns out, many people aren't paying as much attention to warning signs as they could be, says study author Katriina Whitaker, a senior research fellow from University College London. "Some people don't think they are serious, and cancer does not leap to mind."
While for the vast majority, "these warning signs will not indicate cancer. "For a few, they might, and so going to the doctor sooner could save your life. If you have at least one of these symptoms and it hasn't gone away, go to your GP for advice," Whitaker says. Here are 10 symptoms to take seriously.
1. Lump or bumps:
It's best to have any strange lumps checked out by a doctor. In the survey, 7.5% of people reported an unexplained lump. While 67% did contact their doctors, 77% didn't think it could be a sign of something more serious.
2. Cough/hoarseness:
It's cold and flu season, so coughing can feel like a given. However, if your cough persists, though, it could indicate laryngeal, lung or thyroid cancer, or lymphoma. This was the most common symptom among survey participants. "We know coughs and colds are everywhere at the moment and we're not suggesting everyone with a cough goes to their doctor," Whitaker said. "But if you have a symptom that doesn't go away, or is unusual, don't be afraid to go to your doctor for advice."
3. Change in bowel habits:
In Whitaker's study, 18% of people experienced changes in the timing, amount, or size of their bowels. While these disruptions are usually caused by certain foods or medication, if you notice it happens regularly over time it could also be a sign of colon cancer.
4. Variation in bladder activity :
Because urinary tract infections are common in women, this symptom is often disregarded as just another UTI. But whether you're male or female, if you notice blood in your urine, experience sudden urgency or feel pain while going, definitely bring it up with your doctor to rule out cancers of the bladder, kidney or prostate.
5. Unexplained pain:
Persistent pain is your body's way of signaling a problem, and that could be anything from nothing…to bone cancer or ovarian cancer. The American Cancer Society says that pain from cancer typically means it has spread…a good reason not to be a stoic and to make an appointment with your physician. One striking finding from Whitaker's survey: only about 40% of people in the study were even concerned that pain could be a serious issue.
6. A long-lasting sore throat :
A sore throat may be just another winter wow, but a persistent one could point to something more severe, such as laryngeal cancer or throat cancer. Of those surveyed, nearly 78% didn't think throat woes were serious.
7. Unexplained weight loss:
The American Cancer Society reports that unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more could be a first sign of cancer. This warning sign is common in those with pancreatic, stomach, lung, or esophageal cancers.
8. Difficulty swallowing:
Throat constriction while an uncommon symptom in this survey could be a nervous or immune system issue, or a harbinger conditions including cancer in the esophagus, stomach or throat.
9. Bleeding:
Coughing up blood can signal lung cancer; blood in the stool could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Women who experience unexplained vaginal bleeding should be checked for cervical or endometrial cancer. A bloody discharge from the nipple can signal breast cancer, while blood in the urine can mean you have bladder or kidney cancers. Unusual bleeding can occur during any phase of cancer, and warrants a visit to your doctor.
10. Changes in skin moles:
Of the 7% of respondents that reported a change in a mole, freckle or wart's appearance, only 47% contacted their doctors. What's more troubling, however: more than 88% didn't think the symptom was serious, though it could be indicative of skin cancer many of which are treatable.
11.Breast dimpling, discoloration, or other changes:
An unusual lump is the telltale sign of breast cancer women are told to look for. But other breast changes can signal cancer. If you notice the skin of your breast becoming dimpled, a nipple inverting, swelling, tenderness, or slight discoloration of the skin to a deeper red or pink, it could be cause for concern.
12.Bloating:
Nearly every woman complains of bloating, especially during that time of the month; but if you notice you’re still bloated after your cycle finishes or you feel consistently constipated, it could signal ovarian or uterine cancer. “If it’s been a few weeks and isn’t getting better, that’s a change, that’s not you,
13.Abnormal periods or pelvic pain:
It’s not uncommon for women to have irregular periods, but if your flow suddenly becomes significantly heavier month after month, if you start bleeding between periods, or if you have pelvic pain, ask your doctor for a transvaginal ultrasound to check for uterine, ovarian, or other vaginal cancers.
14.Stomach pain or nausea:
An upset stomach is so common it will rarely mean you have cancer. But if you notice persistent stomach cramps or are suddenly nauseous all the time and it’s not getting better, see a doctor. It could turn out to be something as simple as an ulcer, but it could also signal leukemia or esophageal, liver, pancreatic, or colorectal cancer.
15.Frequent fevers or infection:
If you’re usually healthy but notice yourself getting sick or feverish more frequently, it could be an early sign of leukemia. Leukemia is cancer of the blood and triggers the body to produce abnormal white blood cells, sapping the body’s infection-fighting abilities by weakening the immune system. Pay attention to flu-like symptoms, like achiness or fever, which don’t go away.
16.Difficulty swallowing:
A sore throat can make swallowing hard or painful, but if you notice it persists for a few weeks and gets worse, see your doctor. This is a common sign of throat or stomach cancer and could also be an early sign of lung cancer.
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