Cancer symptoms can vary according to the type and stage of the disease, and they can also differ from person to person. There are some types of cancer that may go undetected till a late stage, while others make themselves seen/felt early on. In many cases, the symptoms may not be connected with cancer at all, but it’s always a wise move to consult a doctor to check them out, as they could be silent, early warning signs of cancer.

Lumps or thickening
Strange new lumps or thickening in any part of the body is a cause for concern, especially in the breast areas for women and testicular area for men. These two are common treatable cancers if diagnosed in the early stages. Women may also notice nipple unusual changes in the breast, such as texture differences, inward pulling, discoloration, or puffiness. Some of these may be evident only in certain positions, so it is vital to pay attention to subtle differences in one’s body.

Bleeding or discharge
Uterine cancers may show signs like vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods or post-menopause. Along with bleeding, if one notices signs like dizziness, fever, tiredness, weight-loss, abdominal/pelvic pain, etc., it is advised that they consult their doctor.

Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Sudden onset of constipation, persistent indigestion, diarrhea, gas-pain, blood in urine or stools and rectal bleeding should not be ignored. It could also signal bowel, bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer.

Check for signs of hoarseness and constant sore throat
Persistent hoarseness, change in voice quality, cough, and sore throat could signal throat or lung cancer. If these are accompanied by soreness in the neck region and difficulty in swallowing, fatigue, and weight-loss, they need to be investigated.

Skin changes
Warts or moles that seem to be growing, bleed, or give out a discharge, change color and texture, etc., could signal skin cancer. Some aggressive cancers like melanoma can rapidly spread to other tissues if left untreated. Dry, scaly patches, persistent pimples, red and inflamed areas with encrustation in the center are other warning signs.

Memory loss, headaches, and nausea
These signs may be related to several other problems including brain tumors. If they are accompanied by unexplained weight-loss, drowsiness, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, seizures, personality or behavior changes, loss of body functions etc., it’s important to get a thorough checkup done immediately.

Fever and fatigue
In the loss of any infection, unexplained and persistent fatigue, accompanied by drastic weight loss and low-grade fever may signal some cancers such as leukemia. Fever that occurs mostly during the night, followed by sweating and tiredness that doesn’t seem to go away even after a full night’s rest, are signs that all is not well with one’s body.

Breathing difficulties
Shortness of breath and inability to sustain breath during exertion, exercise could signal a respiratory issue or lung cancer. If this happens often and interferes with one’s daily life, it’s essential to consult a doctor about it to rule out lung cancer.