Common Early Warning Signs of Cancer

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

• Losing weight without trying (especially >5 kg / 10 lbs) can be an early sign of cancers like pancreatic, stomach, lung, or esophageal cancer.

2. Persistent Fatigue

• Extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.

• Can be linked to leukemia or many other cancers.

3. Persistent Pain

• Pain in a specific area that lasts weeks without a clear cause.

• Can occur in bones, abdomen, back, or other areas depending on the cancer type.

4. Lumps or Thickening

• Any new lump or swelling in the breast, testicle, neck, armpit, or groin.

• Not all lumps are cancer, but they should be checked.

5. Changes in Skin

• New mole or change in an existing mole (size, color, shape).

• Skin sores that don’t heal.

• Yellowing (jaundice), darkening, or redness of the skin.

6. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness

• A cough lasting more than 3–4 weeks.

• Hoarse voice or difficulty swallowing.

• Could be related to lung, thyroid, or throat cancers.

7. Abnormal Bleeding

• Blood in the stool or urine.

• Unusual vaginal bleeding (between periods or after menopause).

• Coughing up blood.

8. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

• Long-term constipation, diarrhea, or change in stool size/shape.

• Difficulty urinating, increased frequency, or pain during urination.

9. Non-Healing Sores

• Mouth sores that don’t heal (possible oral cancer).

• Skin ulcers that persist.

10. Difficulty Eating

• Loss of appetite, feeling full quickly, nausea, or trouble swallowing.

11. Persistent Fever or Night Sweats

• Ongoing fever without infection.

• Heavy night sweats may be associated with blood cancers like lymphoma.