3. Pain That Won’t Go Away
Chronic, persistent pain in any part of the body—without a clear cause—can be an early indicator of cancer. Back pain may relate to spinal tumors or ovarian cancer, while headaches might be linked to brain cancer. It’s crucial to take such persistent discomfort seriously.
4. Changes in Skin Appearance
Skin changes are not limited to skin cancer. Look for:
- Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Darkened skin patches
- Redness
- Excessive hair growth or itching
- New moles or changes in existing moles
Melanoma, one of the most dangerous skin cancers, often begins as a small irregular mole. ABCDE (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) is a quick guide to assess mole changes.
5. Unusual Bleeding or Discharge
Blood appearing where it shouldn’t is a strong warning sign. Common examples include:
- Blood in stool (may indicate colon cancer)
- Blood in urine (bladder or kidney cancer)
- Vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual cycle (cervical or endometrial cancer)
- Coughing up blood (lung cancer)
These signs should never be ignored.
6. Lumps or Thickening in Any Part of the Body
Breast lumps, testicular swelling, or thickened tissue under the skin could be signs of tumors. Regular self-exams and awareness of what is “normal” for your body are critical in detecting these changes early.
