Cancer often develops silently, with symptoms appearing in advanced stages. However, recognizing early warning signs can lead to earlier detection and better treatment outcomes.
Five Early Signs of Cancer That Need Medical Attention
-
Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing 10 pounds or more without changes in diet or activity could indicate cancer affecting metabolism. Possible cancers: stomach, pancreas, liver, lung, esophageal, leukemia, or lymphoma. -
Persistent Fatigue
Unlike normal tiredness, cancer-related fatigue doesn’t improve with rest. It may be linked to leukemia, lymphoma, colon, stomach, or liver cancer. -
Skin Changes
Watch for new or changing moles, sores that don’t heal, yellowing skin, dark spots, or excessive itching. These may signal melanoma, skin, liver, or pancreatic cancer. -
Chronic Pain
Persistent, unexplained pain may be a sign of bone, brain, ovarian, colorectal, or lung cancer. -
Unusual Lumps
Hard, painless lumps that grow over time can indicate breast, testicular, thyroid, or lymphoma cancers.
Early detection saves lives—seek medical advice if symptoms persist.