Below are 16 early signs and symptoms that can occur when cancer is developing or growing.
⚠️ Important: These signs do NOT mean you have cancer—many common, harmless conditions cause the same symptoms. The key is persistence, unexplained changes, or symptoms that worsen over time. Always see a medical professional if something feels off.
✅ 16 Possible Early Signs of Cancer
1. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without dieting or increasing activity—especially 10+ pounds (4.5+ kg) unintentionally.
2. Persistent Fatigue
Extreme, ongoing tiredness not improved by sleep—different from normal exhaustion.
3. Fever Without Infection
Recurring or long-lasting low fevers with no clear cause.
4. Pain That Doesn’t Go Away
Persistent pain in any area—back, abdomen, bones, or head—can be an early sign depending on the cancer type.
5. Skin Changes
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New or changing moles
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Skin darkening
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Yellowing (jaundice)
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Non-healing sores
6. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness
A cough lasting longer than 3–4 weeks, or voice changes.
7. Changes in Bowel Habits
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Long-term diarrhea or constipation
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Narrow stools
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Blood in stool
8. Changes in Bladder Habits
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Frequent urination
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Pain during urination
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Blood in urine
9. Unusual Bleeding
This could include:
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Bleeding between periods
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Rectal bleeding
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Coughing up blood
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Nosebleeds that are unusual
10. Lumps or Masses
A lump that:
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Grows
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Feels hard
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Is fixed in place
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Appears in the breast, neck, groin, testicles, or anywhere else
11. Difficulty Swallowing
Persistent trouble swallowing or feeling like food gets stuck.
12. Appetite Loss
A noticeable decrease in desire to eat.
13. Persistent Heartburn or Indigestion
Especially when new or worsening.
14. Night Sweats
Heavy sweating that drenches clothes or bedding (not related to menopause or fever).
15. Shortness of Breath
Unexplained breathlessness, even at rest or mild activity.
16. Bloating or Abdominal Swelling
Especially if constant, painful, or accompanied by weight loss.
⚠️ When You Should See a Doctor
Seek medical evaluation if you have:
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Symptoms that persist longer than 2–3 weeks
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Unexplained bleeding
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A growing lump
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Severe pain
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Major changes in bowel/bladder habits
Early detection dramatically improves outcomes.
If you’d like, I can also help with:
✔️ A checklist you can monitor
✔️ Symptoms by cancer type
✔️ When to worry vs. when it’s probably not serious
✔️ How doctors screen for cancer