10 Early Signs of Cancer You Should Never Ignore

By Dr. Shruti Sanjay Gandhi, Consultant Medical & Hemato Oncology (MBBS, MD Medicine, DrNB Medical Oncology, MRCP(UK) SCE, ECMO, Switzerland) Gandhi Hospital | Gandhi Cancer Care, Latur

Cancer, when detected early, is more likely to be treated successfully. Unfortunately, many people ignore or dismiss early warning signs, assuming them to be minor health issues. Recognizing these symptoms can save lives by prompting timely medical intervention. Below are the 10 early signs of cancer that should never be ignored.

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without a change in diet or exercise routine can be an early indicator of cancers such as pancreatic, stomach, lung, or esophageal cancer.

What to do: If you lose more than 5% of your body weight in a month without trying, consult your doctor.

2. Persistent Fatigue

Feeling unusually tired even after proper rest could signal cancers like leukemia, colon cancer, or stomach cancer. This type of fatigue is different from normal tiredness and tends to worsen over time.

What to do: If fatigue persists for weeks despite adequate rest, seek medical advice.

3. Lump or Swelling in the Body

A new lump or swelling in areas such as the breast, neck, abdomen, or armpits could be an early sign of cancer, especially breast, thyroid, or lymphoma cancers.

What to do: Perform regular self-checks and report any unusual lumps to your healthcare provider immediately.

4. Changes in Skin Appearance

Skin cancer might show signs like unusual moles, sores that don’t heal, or darkened skin. Additionally, jaundice (yellowing of the skin) can indicate liver cancer.

What to do: Look for asymmetry, irregular borders, or changes in color and size of moles and consult a dermatologist for any abnormalities.

5. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness

A chronic cough lasting more than three weeks or hoarseness in the voice may be linked to lung, throat, or thyroid cancer.

What to do: If you’re a non-smoker with persistent cough or a smoker noticing changes in your voice, visit a doctor for further investigation.

6. Unexplained Pain

Persistent or unexplained pain in areas such as the back, abdomen, or joints can indicate bone cancer, ovarian cancer, or other malignancies.

What to do: Chronic pain lasting weeks without a clear cause warrants a medical evaluation.

7. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

Persistent diarrhea, constipation, or blood in the stool could signal colorectal cancer, while blood in the urine may indicate bladder or kidney cancer.

What to do: Observe changes in bowel or bladder habits and consult a doctor if the changes persist beyond a week.

8. Difficulty Swallowing

Trouble swallowing or persistent discomfort in the throat could be a sign of esophageal or throat cancer.

What to do: Seek medical attention if swallowing becomes progressively difficult or painful.

9. Unexplained Bleeding

Blood in cough, stool, urine, or between periods can indicate cancers such as lung, colorectal, bladder, or cervical cancer.

What to do: Report any abnormal bleeding to your doctor for further tests.

10. Persistent Fever or Night Sweats

Recurrent fevers without an infection and excessive night sweats may indicate blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma.

What to do: If fevers or night sweats are accompanied by weight loss or fatigue, seek medical evaluation.

Closing Thoughts

Awareness and vigilance are critical in the fight against cancer. Recognizing and addressing these early signs promptly can lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.

At Gandhi Cancer Care, Latur, we are dedicated to raising awareness and providing comprehensive cancer care services. If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice. Early detection saves lives.

For appointments and expert guidance, visit Gandhi Hospital or connect with Dr. Shruti Sanjay Gandhi for personalized care.

Take charge of your health today—prevention and early action are the best defenses against cancer.