Early symptoms of cancer

Cancer can cause many different symptoms. These are some of them that one should notice:

• A fever that just does not go away and does not have an obvious cause.
• A nagging cough that is not going away or coughing up blood.
• Skin changes, such as: a new mole or a change in an existing mole. A sore that does not heal.
• Breast changes, such as: change in size or shape of the breast or nipple. Change in the texture of breast skin.
• A thickening or lump on or under the skin.
• Hoarseness of voice.
• Changes in bowel habits, indigestion or bloating.
• Difficult or painful urination.
• Problems with eating, such as: discomfort after eating, a hard time swallowing and/or changes in appetite.
• Weight gain or loss with no known reason.
• Abdominal pain.
• Unexplained night sweats.
• Unusual bleeding or discharge, including: blood in the urine, vaginal bleeding and/or blood in the stool.
• Feeling weak or very tired.

Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer. They may also be caused by benign tumours or other problems. If you have symptoms that last for a couple of weeks, it is important to see a doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Usually, early cancer does not cause pain.

If you have symptoms, do not wait to feel pain before seeing a doctor.