22 silent cancer signals you might be ignoring–Could you be at risk? Find out now!
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.
In the intricate tapestry of our health, the whispers of change can sometimes speak volumes. As we age, it's easy to attribute new aches or fatigue to the natural process of getting older.
But what if these subtle shifts are actually silent alarms from our body, signaling something more serious? Cancer, a word that can send shivers down anyone's spine, is a complex constellation of diseases with over 200 different types, each with its own set of potential warning signs.
Here at The GrayVine, we understand the importance of staying informed and proactive about our health. That's why we're delving into the 22 most common cancer symptoms that you might be overlooking, as highlighted by Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
Recognizing these signs early and consulting with your doctor promptly can significantly increase your chances of successful treatment.
Dr. Julie Sharp, the head of health and patient involvement said, "If you notice a change to your health that’s unusual for you or isn’t going away, contact your GP as soon as you can. Your doctor is there for you and wants to hear about any concerns."
1. Fatigue
Feeling tired now and then is normal, but persistent or severe fatigue without a clear cause could be a red flag.
"But if you’re feeling tired for no clear reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong," Dr Sharp says. This symptom often shows in people that are afflicted with blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as breast and prostate cancer.
2. Aches and pains
Occasional discomfort is part of life, but ongoing pain without explanation warrants attention. The location could tell you what type of cancer it could be–chest pain for lung cancer, for instance–but it may also mean that the cancer has spread.
3. Bruising
We all get the odd bruise, but if you notice them appearing without injury, it's time to investigate further. It could be a symptom of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
4. Night sweats
Sweating at night could be more than just an uncomfortable nuisance; it may be a symptom worth checking out.
It could be a sign of infection or side effect of some medications, the menopause, or anxiety. But if you’re sweating heavily or persistently at night, it could be a symptom of some cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, kidney cancer, and advanced medullary thyroid cancer.
Source: Medical Centric / Youtube.
5. Weight loss
If the numbers on the scale are dropping and you're not trying to lose weight, consider it a potential warning sign for a cancer screening. Around 40% of people diagnosed with cancer say they experienced some form of weight loss before their diagnosis.
This symptom is often seen in patients with lung cancer, upper gastrointestinal cancers, oesophageal cancer, small bowel cancer, pancreatic cancer and liver cancer.
6. Coughing
A cough here and there is common, especially in colder months, but a long-lasting cough could be cause for concern.
It’s common during hay fever season and as COVID still continues to circulate. But if the cough is persistent or there is accompanying blood, it could be a symptom of lung cancer.
7. Lumps or swelling
Any new or persistent lumps on the body should be examined by a healthcare professional. While it could be a sports injury, if it’s persistent or there is swelling, it should be taken seriously–especially if the lump is found in the neck, armpit, stomach, groin, chest, breast or testicle.
Recommended for you: This unnoticed symptom could signal internal bleeding and cancer—A doctor uncovers the shocking truth!
8. Loss of appetite
A decrease in hunger, especially if it's sudden or significant, can be a sign of various cancers.
"It can happen for many different reasons, but speak to your doctor if you’ve noticed you’re not as hungry as usual and it’s not getting any better."
Stomach, pancreatic, bowel and ovarian cancer can put pressure on your stomach and cause you to feel too full to eat.
9. Changes in moles
Keep an eye on your moles; changes in size, shape, or color can indicate melanoma or skin cancer. The moles can also bleed, itch, or become crusty.
10. Skin changes
Beyond moles, any new or changing skin lesions should be evaluated. You should utilize the ABDCE checklist which uses asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolution to help you watch out for the changes.
Source: Northwell Health / Youtube.
11. Persistent heartburn
Frequent heartburn or indigestion might be more than just a digestive issue if it’s persistent–it could be a symptom of esophageal cancer.
12. Hoarseness or voice changes
A change in your voice that doesn't go away after a few weeks should be checked out. It could be a sign of laryngeal, throat, or lung cancer. You might also experience pain when swallowing.
13. Mouth ulcers
Mouth sores that linger longer than three weeks need to be examined by a doctor or dentist. Mouth ulcers that don’t heal are common in mouth and oropharyngeal cancer patients.
14. Difficulty swallowing
Trouble swallowing, or dysphagia, can be a sign of cancer in the throat or esophagus. It can show up either as pain or a burning sensation with or without tightness.
Recommended for you: 44-year-old shares 5 subtle signs of colon cancer you might be ignoring right now
15. Breathlessness
Feeling short of breath more often than usual could be a symptom of lung cancer.
16. Breast changes
Any new lumps, texture changes, or alterations in appearance in the breast area should prompt a visit to the doctor.
These are signs you should watch out for:
Persistent bloating, especially when it's not related to eating, can be an early sign of ovarian or bowel cancer, especially if it lasts all day for up to three weeks.
Source: National Breast Cancer Foundation / Youtube.
18. Changes in bowel habits
Noticeable shifts in your bowel movements, such as consistency or frequency, should be discussed with your doctor.
Some symptoms that are common include changes in your waste (e.g. softer, looser, diarrhea, or constipation that is unusual), needing to poo more or less than normal, often needing to poo even if you’ve just gone to the toilet. If you experience any of these for more than three weeks, you should see your doctor.
19. Blood in stool
The presence of blood in your stool, whether bright red or dark, is a symptom that should never be ignored as it could be a sign of bowel cancer.
20. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Any unexpected bleeding, including after intercourse or post-menopause, should be investigated. Nine in 10 women with womb or uterus cancer have had abnormal vaginal bleeding.
21. Blood in urine
Visible blood in your urine is a common symptom of bladder cancer and requires immediate medical attention.
22. Urinary problems
Difficulties with urination, such as a weak stream or urgency, can be early signs of bladder or prostate cancer. Other signs such as needing to rush to the toilet, needing to pee more often, or feeling that your bladder has not emptied completely are signs too.
Catching cancer early is crucial for successful treatment, and regular screenings play a vital role in early detection, said Dr. Sharp.
For instance, cervical screenings look for high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer.
Breast screenings use mammograms to find tumors too small to feel. Bowel screenings check for early signs of cancer with at-home test kits analyzing stool samples for traces of blood.
If you're eligible for these screenings, please participate. They could save your life.
“You don’t need to try and remember all the signs and symptoms of cancer – listen to your body and talk to your doctor if you notice anything that isn’t normal for you.” added Dr. Sharp.
If you notice any of these 22 symptoms, don't wait. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns.
Recommended for you: Discover the silent killers: A doctor exposes cancer signs everyone is missing!
We encourage you to share this information with your loved ones. Discussing these symptoms and the importance of screenings can help protect the health of our community. If you have personal experiences or tips for remembering to stay vigilant about these symptoms, please share them in the comments below!
In the intricate tapestry of our health, the whispers of change can sometimes speak volumes. As we age, it's easy to attribute new aches or fatigue to the natural process of getting older.
But what if these subtle shifts are actually silent alarms from our body, signaling something more serious? Cancer, a word that can send shivers down anyone's spine, is a complex constellation of diseases with over 200 different types, each with its own set of potential warning signs.
Here at The GrayVine, we understand the importance of staying informed and proactive about our health. That's why we're delving into the 22 most common cancer symptoms that you might be overlooking, as highlighted by Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
Recognizing these signs early and consulting with your doctor promptly can significantly increase your chances of successful treatment.
Spotting cancer early can significantly improve survival rates, and being aware of the 22 common symptoms as listed by Cancer Research UK is crucial. Image source: National Cancer Institute / Unsplash.
Dr. Julie Sharp, the head of health and patient involvement said, "If you notice a change to your health that’s unusual for you or isn’t going away, contact your GP as soon as you can. Your doctor is there for you and wants to hear about any concerns."
1. Fatigue
Feeling tired now and then is normal, but persistent or severe fatigue without a clear cause could be a red flag.
"But if you’re feeling tired for no clear reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong," Dr Sharp says. This symptom often shows in people that are afflicted with blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as breast and prostate cancer.
2. Aches and pains
Occasional discomfort is part of life, but ongoing pain without explanation warrants attention. The location could tell you what type of cancer it could be–chest pain for lung cancer, for instance–but it may also mean that the cancer has spread.
3. Bruising
We all get the odd bruise, but if you notice them appearing without injury, it's time to investigate further. It could be a symptom of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
4. Night sweats
Sweating at night could be more than just an uncomfortable nuisance; it may be a symptom worth checking out.
It could be a sign of infection or side effect of some medications, the menopause, or anxiety. But if you’re sweating heavily or persistently at night, it could be a symptom of some cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, kidney cancer, and advanced medullary thyroid cancer.
Source: Medical Centric / Youtube.
5. Weight loss
If the numbers on the scale are dropping and you're not trying to lose weight, consider it a potential warning sign for a cancer screening. Around 40% of people diagnosed with cancer say they experienced some form of weight loss before their diagnosis.
This symptom is often seen in patients with lung cancer, upper gastrointestinal cancers, oesophageal cancer, small bowel cancer, pancreatic cancer and liver cancer.
6. Coughing
A cough here and there is common, especially in colder months, but a long-lasting cough could be cause for concern.
It’s common during hay fever season and as COVID still continues to circulate. But if the cough is persistent or there is accompanying blood, it could be a symptom of lung cancer.
7. Lumps or swelling
Any new or persistent lumps on the body should be examined by a healthcare professional. While it could be a sports injury, if it’s persistent or there is swelling, it should be taken seriously–especially if the lump is found in the neck, armpit, stomach, groin, chest, breast or testicle.
Recommended for you: This unnoticed symptom could signal internal bleeding and cancer—A doctor uncovers the shocking truth!
8. Loss of appetite
A decrease in hunger, especially if it's sudden or significant, can be a sign of various cancers.
"It can happen for many different reasons, but speak to your doctor if you’ve noticed you’re not as hungry as usual and it’s not getting any better."
Stomach, pancreatic, bowel and ovarian cancer can put pressure on your stomach and cause you to feel too full to eat.
9. Changes in moles
Keep an eye on your moles; changes in size, shape, or color can indicate melanoma or skin cancer. The moles can also bleed, itch, or become crusty.
10. Skin changes
Beyond moles, any new or changing skin lesions should be evaluated. You should utilize the ABDCE checklist which uses asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolution to help you watch out for the changes.
Source: Northwell Health / Youtube.
11. Persistent heartburn
Frequent heartburn or indigestion might be more than just a digestive issue if it’s persistent–it could be a symptom of esophageal cancer.
12. Hoarseness or voice changes
A change in your voice that doesn't go away after a few weeks should be checked out. It could be a sign of laryngeal, throat, or lung cancer. You might also experience pain when swallowing.
13. Mouth ulcers
Mouth sores that linger longer than three weeks need to be examined by a doctor or dentist. Mouth ulcers that don’t heal are common in mouth and oropharyngeal cancer patients.
14. Difficulty swallowing
Trouble swallowing, or dysphagia, can be a sign of cancer in the throat or esophagus. It can show up either as pain or a burning sensation with or without tightness.
Recommended for you: 44-year-old shares 5 subtle signs of colon cancer you might be ignoring right now
15. Breathlessness
Feeling short of breath more often than usual could be a symptom of lung cancer.
16. Breast changes
Any new lumps, texture changes, or alterations in appearance in the breast area should prompt a visit to the doctor.
These are signs you should watch out for:
- A new lump or area of thickened tissue
- Change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- Discharge of fluid from either nipple
- A lump or swelling under either armpit
- Puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness on the skin
- Crusting, scaly or itchy skin on or around either nipple
- Sunken nipples
Persistent bloating, especially when it's not related to eating, can be an early sign of ovarian or bowel cancer, especially if it lasts all day for up to three weeks.
Source: National Breast Cancer Foundation / Youtube.
18. Changes in bowel habits
Noticeable shifts in your bowel movements, such as consistency or frequency, should be discussed with your doctor.
Some symptoms that are common include changes in your waste (e.g. softer, looser, diarrhea, or constipation that is unusual), needing to poo more or less than normal, often needing to poo even if you’ve just gone to the toilet. If you experience any of these for more than three weeks, you should see your doctor.
19. Blood in stool
The presence of blood in your stool, whether bright red or dark, is a symptom that should never be ignored as it could be a sign of bowel cancer.
20. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Any unexpected bleeding, including after intercourse or post-menopause, should be investigated. Nine in 10 women with womb or uterus cancer have had abnormal vaginal bleeding.
21. Blood in urine
Visible blood in your urine is a common symptom of bladder cancer and requires immediate medical attention.
22. Urinary problems
Difficulties with urination, such as a weak stream or urgency, can be early signs of bladder or prostate cancer. Other signs such as needing to rush to the toilet, needing to pee more often, or feeling that your bladder has not emptied completely are signs too.
Catching cancer early is crucial for successful treatment, and regular screenings play a vital role in early detection, said Dr. Sharp.
For instance, cervical screenings look for high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer.
Breast screenings use mammograms to find tumors too small to feel. Bowel screenings check for early signs of cancer with at-home test kits analyzing stool samples for traces of blood.
If you're eligible for these screenings, please participate. They could save your life.
“You don’t need to try and remember all the signs and symptoms of cancer – listen to your body and talk to your doctor if you notice anything that isn’t normal for you.” added Dr. Sharp.
If you notice any of these 22 symptoms, don't wait. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns.
Recommended for you: Discover the silent killers: A doctor exposes cancer signs everyone is missing!
We encourage you to share this information with your loved ones. Discussing these symptoms and the importance of screenings can help protect the health of our community. If you have personal experiences or tips for remembering to stay vigilant about these symptoms, please share them in the comments below!
