Common cancer symptoms include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, pain, changes in skin, changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent cough, difficulty swallowing, and lumps or swelling in the body. These symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer but paying attention to any persistent or unusual changes in your body is crucial for early detection and treatment.
What are Common Symptoms?
"Health Awareness Starts with Symptom Recognition"
01
Unexplained Weight Loss
It is important to recognize that unexplained weight loss can stem from factors other than cancer. Conditions such as thyroid disorders, gastrointestinal diseases (like celiac disease or Crohn's disease), mental health issues (such as depression or anxiety), and certain medications can all contribute to unintended weight loss.
Think of cancer cells as insatiable energy consumers. They require a significant amount of energy from the body to fuel their rapid growth and proliferation. As a result, the body's metabolism can kick into overdrive, burning calories at a faster rate and contributing to weight loss.
Persistent fatigue
Imagine feeling overwhelmingly tired and exhausted, despite getting adequate rest and sleep. This persistent fatigue can significantly impact daily life, making even simple tasks feel like monumental challenges.
When healthcare professionals talk about persistent fatigue, they're referring to a profound and lasting sense of tiredness and exhaustion that persists over an extended period.
02
The presence of cancer in the body can be physically draining. Cancer cells grow and divide rapidly, consuming a significant amount of energy.
Chronic Pain
When healthcare professionals refer to chronic pain, they're describing persistent pain that lasts beyond the expected healing time of an injury or illness. This type of pain can vary in intensity, location, and duration, depending on the underlying cause. In cancer patients, chronic pain can stem from various factors, including:
03
Cancerous tumors can exert pressure on surrounding tissues, nerves, and organs, causing pain.
Fever of Unknown Origin
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a medical term used to describe persistent fever without an identifiable cause, even after a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This type of fever can be puzzling and concerning, as it often indicates an underlying health issue that requires further investigation. While fever is the body's natural response to infection, inflammation, or other illnesses, a fever that persists without a clear explanation can be indicative of more serious conditions, including cancer.
04
Infections are the most common cause of fever, and they can range from bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic in nature. However, if standard tests for infectious diseases come back negative, other potential causes must be explored.
Changes in Skin Appearance
Changes in skin appearance can be a concerning symptom that prompts individuals to seek medical attention. Our skin serves as a protective barrier, and alterations in its appearance may signal underlying health issues, including cancer. While many changes in the skin are harmless and temporary, persistent or unusual changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
05
Moles are common skin growths made up of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. While most moles are harmless, the appearance of new or unusual moles, or changes in the size, shape, or color of existing moles, should be examined by a dermatologist. These changes may indicate the development of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Persistent Cough or Hoarseness
06
Persistent cough or hoarseness can be symptoms that warrant medical attention, especially when they endure beyond the expected duration of a common cold or respiratory infection. While occasional coughing or hoarseness is normal and often resolves on its own, persistent or worsening symptoms may indicate an underlying health issue, including cancer.
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Duration: Symptoms that persist for more than three to four weeks without significant improvement.
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Occupational Exposure: Exposure to environmental pollutants, chemicals, or toxins in the workplace, such as asbestos, silica, or diesel exhaust, can increase the risk of developing lung cancer and other respiratory conditions.
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Smoking: Tobacco smoking, including cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, is a significant risk factor for developing lung cancer and other respiratory cancers. Chronic exposure to tobacco smoke can damage the cells lining the airways, increasing the risk of cancerous changes.
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Age: Advanced age is a risk factor for developing cancer, including lung cancer. The risk of cancer increases with age, particularly in individuals over 50 years old.
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Personal or Family History: A personal history of cancer, especially lung cancer, or a family history of cancer can increase an individual's risk of developing cancer.
Changes in bowel of bladder habits
Changes in bowel or bladder habits can be indicative of underlying health issues, including cancer. While occasional changes in these habits may occur due to dietary factors, hydration levels, or temporary illnesses, persistent or unusual changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
07
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Frequency: Increased frequency of urination, particularly waking up multiple times at night to urinate (nocturia)
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Urgency: Sudden, intense urge to urinate that may be difficult to control.
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Changes in Urine Appearance: Blood in the urine (hematuria), cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or changes in urine color (such as pink, red, or brown).
08
Unusual Bleeding or discharge
Unusual bleeding or discharge from various parts of the body can often raise concerns, as they may indicate underlying health issues, including cancer. While occasional instances of bleeding or discharge may occur due to minor injuries or hormonal changes, persistent or unusual occurrences should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
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Blood in Stool: Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool (hematochezia or melena), which may appear as bright red blood or dark, tarry stools.
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Mucus Discharge: Unusual rectal discharge, particularly if it is accompanied by changes in bowel habits or abdominal pain.
09
Lumps or Thickening in Body Parts
Lumps or thickening in various parts of the body can be concerning symptoms that may indicate underlying health issues, including cancer. While it's normal to occasionally notice lumps or thickening in certain areas, persistent or unusual occurrences should prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.
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Breast Masses: New or unusual lumps, bumps, or masses in the breast tissue, which may or may not be painful.
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Breast Thickening: Changes in breast tissue consistency, such as thickening or firmness, that may be noticeable upon self-examination.
10
Difficulty Swallowing or Persistent Indigestion
Difficulty swallowing or persistent indigestion can be troubling symptoms that may indicate underlying health issues, including cancer. While occasional difficulty swallowing or indigestion may occur due to dietary factors or temporary conditions, persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
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Sensation of Obstruction: Feeling as though there is something blocking or obstructing the passage of food or liquids through the throat or esophagus.
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Pain or Discomfort: Pain or discomfort in the chest or throat while swallowing, particularly when swallowing solid foods or large bites.
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Regurgitation: Regurgitation of food or liquids, where partially digested material comes back up into the mouth or throat after swallowing.
