Although there are many areas of cancer development that are not seen (silent development), there are also early signs that your body will give you when something is wrong. Although not all signs result in a diagnosis of cancer, one should never ignore them, particularly if they are persisting or worsening. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome of treatment, so you can make a real difference in your health by identifying these symptoms.
1. Unexplained Weight Loss
While unintended weight loss may be a positive, it could also be an indication of a problem. A weight loss of significant magnitude (generally more than 5 kg) through no change in your diet or exercise is an indication you should investigate further to pinpoint the cause.
Many cancers, such as stomach, pancreas, lung, and esophagus, can cause changes in your metabolism or suppress your appetite. Tumors can require an extraordinary amount of energy in your body, which can result in dramatic weight loss.
If you also experience fatigue, lack of appetite, or discomfort with digestion along with this symptom, you should see your physician for further evaluation.
2. Persistent Fatigue
Everyone experiences being tired from time to time; however, fatigue due to cancer is usually much greater than the average person and lasts a longer time than expected. Rest does not help alleviate this fatigue, and patients frequently experience a lack of energy to perform normal daily functions and feel exhausted.
Fatigue can be caused by cancer itself, internal bleeding (which is frequently seen in certain types of cancers like colon cancer) or the immune system’s reaction to cancer. Blood cancers (such as leukemia) are particularly associated with extreme fatigue.
If you are feeling exhausted no matter how much sleep or food you get, especially along with other symptoms, don’t just write it off as stress or overwork.
3. Unexplained lumps or swelling
Any new lump or swelling anywhere on your body should also raise a red flag. Not all lumps are cancerous, but painless lumps that keep getting bigger are particularly concerning.
Lumps can appear in a variety of locations, including the:
- Breast
- Neck
- Testicles
- Underarm
These lumps may represent tumors or swollen lymph nodes. For instance, a lump found in the breast could be one of the earliest signs of breast cancer, and these lumps could indicate the presence of lymphoma or an infection when lymph nodes swell.
Performing regular self-examinations and knowing your body’s normal conditions will help you to notice these changes early.
4. Changes in skin/moles
Your skin is often one of the first places that will let you know there is something wrong with your physical condition. Monitor any noticeable changes occurring in your moles, freckles or textural changes to your skin.
Watch for:
- Changes in size, shape, or color of a mole
- Irregular borders
- Bleeding or itching
- New growths or sores that don’t heal
These signs may indicate skin cancer (melanoma is one of the more aggressive forms), so it is important to be aware of them. A guideline to follow is the “ABCDE rule”:
- A-Asymmetry
- B-Border Irregularity
- C-Color Variation
- D-Diameter larger than 6 mm
- E-Evolving over Time
If you notice any of these, consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
5. Persistent Pain or Unusual Bleeding
Pain that lasts for an extended period of time and has no clear cause should never be ignored. While pain can be caused by many non-serious conditions, unexplained pain that is chronic may be an indication of cancer, especially if it is isolated and consistent in nature.
Examples include:
- Chronic headaches may indicate brain tumours;
- Back pain may be associated with pancreatic cancer or tumours/spinal disorders; and/or
- Chronic pain in bones can be a sign of bone tumours.
Additionally, unusual bleeding is another sign of warning. Unusual bleeding includes:
- Blood in the urine and/or stool
- Coughing up blood
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Chronic nosebleeds
- Symptoms of unusual bleeding may indicate tumours of the bladder, colon, lung, etc.
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When to Consult a Physician?
The mere presence of symptoms does not equate to having cancer; many of the symptoms have been attributed to other non-serious medical conditions. The main factor that separates a potential cancer diagnosis is the period of time which the symptom has been present, and severity or abruptly manifested symptoms. If a symptom has been present for a few days to weeks and has worsened, increased severity/impact, or manifested with no known/acquired cause, it is critical that you consult with a physician immediately.
Treatments can be more effective and people can have higher chances of surviving if they are diagnosed with cancer early. The use of test procedures and physical examinations as well as simple investigations can help eliminate or identify cancer at its earliest stage.
Summary
Listening to your body is very powerful when it comes to protecting your health and keeping an eye out for any unexplained changes, such as excessive tiredness, a new lump in your body, or unusual bleeding.
Keeping an eye out for changes does not necessarily mean worrying, but instead means taking action when needed. Always get any changes checked immediately if you are unsure.
