Cancer does not always cause pain in its early stages. In fact, some cancers develop quietly before noticeable symptoms appear. This is one reason people sometimes delay seeking medical attention.
Although these symptoms can have causes other than cancer, persistent or unexplained changes in your body deserve attention.
Here are seven warning signs you should know.
1. Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without changing your diet or exercise routine may sometimes be associated with cancer. It can also result from thyroid problems, diabetes and other illnesses.
2. A lump or unusual swelling
A new lump in the breast, neck, armpit or another part of the body should be checked. Many lumps are not cancerous, but an examination is important.
3. Persistent changes in bowel habits
Ongoing constipation, diarrhoea, changes in stool shape or blood in the stool may require investigation, particularly if they are unusual for you.
4. Unusual bleeding
Blood in the urine, coughing up blood, bleeding after sex or bleeding after menopause should never be ignored.
5. A cough that refuses to go away
A persistent cough, especially when accompanied by coughing up blood, chest pain or unexplained weight loss, needs medical assessment.
6. A sore that does not heal
A wound or ulcer that remains for weeks without healing should be examined. This includes unusual sores in the mouth.
7. Persistent unexplained pain or fatigue
Ongoing pain, severe tiredness or weakness can have many causes. However, when these symptoms are persistent or occur alongside other unusual changes, medical evaluation is advisable.
What should you do?
Do not assume that having one of these symptoms means you have cancer. Equally, do not ignore persistent changes because they are painless.
See a healthcare professional for an examination and appropriate tests. Screening is also important because some cancers can be detected before symptoms develop.
Early assessment can make a significant difference to treatment options and outcomes.
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