Early detection of cancer can make a significant difference in successful treatment outcomes.
However, many women ignore certain symptoms, often attributing them to common issues or minor health concerns.
Recognizing the warning signs is essential to catch potential cancers in their earliest stages, when treatment is most effective.
Here are 15 cancer symptoms women often overlook and why it’s crucial to pay attention to them.
1. Unexplained Weight Loss
Sudden, unexplained weight loss may seem like a positive thing for many, but it can be a red flag for serious health issues, including cancer. Cancers of the stomach, pancreas, and lungs are known to cause rapid weight loss.
What to Do: If you’ve lost more than 10 pounds without trying, consult a doctor to investigate the underlying cause.
2. Persistent Fatigue
While fatigue is common due to busy lifestyles, persistent, unrelenting fatigue could be a sign of leukemia or other types of cancers. Cancer-related fatigue doesn’t go away with rest and may come on suddenly without explanation.
What to Do: If you’re experiencing fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest and disrupts daily life, see your healthcare provider.
3. Breast Changes
Breast lumps aren’t the only signs of breast cancer. Redness, swelling, nipple discharge, or changes in breast size, shape, or texture (like dimpling or puckering) can also be early indicators of breast cancer.
What to Do: Schedule a breast exam or mammogram if you notice any unusual changes in your breasts, even if they seem minor.
4. Bloating
Bloating is common for many women, particularly around their menstrual cycle. However, if bloating persists for weeks or is accompanied by pain, it could be a sign of ovarian or gastrointestinal cancers.
What to Do: If you experience frequent or persistent bloating that doesn’t go away, it’s best to see your doctor for an evaluation.
5. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits
Changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as chronic diarrhea, constipation, or frequent urination, could indicate cancers of the digestive system, bladder, or urinary tract. Blood in the stool or urine can also be a warning sign.
What to Do: Seek medical advice if you notice persistent changes in your bathroom habits or if you see blood.
6. Unexplained Pain
Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right. Persistent, unexplained pain, especially in areas like the back, abdomen, or bones, can sometimes indicate cancers such as ovarian, pancreatic, or bone cancer.
What to Do: If you’re experiencing constant pain that doesn’t improve, consult a doctor to determine the cause.
7. Unusual Bleeding
Unusual bleeding, such as bleeding between periods, after menopause, or after sex, can be a symptom of cancers of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries. Postmenopausal bleeding should always be investigated.
What to Do: Any abnormal bleeding should prompt a visit to your gynecologist for a thorough check-up.
8. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness
A lingering cough or hoarseness that lasts longer than three weeks, especially if it isn’t associated with a cold or allergies, may be a sign of lung, throat, or thyroid cancer.
What to Do: If you have a persistent cough or change in your voice, consult your doctor to rule out any serious issues.
9. Difficulty Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing or feeling as if food is stuck in your throat can be a symptom of esophageal or throat cancer. Persistent heartburn or indigestion may also accompany this symptom.
What to Do: Seek medical advice if you experience persistent swallowing difficulties, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like pain or weight loss.
10. Changes in the Skin or New Moles
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Watch for changes in skin spots, moles, or freckles, particularly those that change in size, shape, or color. Moles that are asymmetrical or have irregular borders may be a sign of melanoma.
What to Do: Perform regular skin checks and consult a dermatologist if you notice any unusual changes in your skin or moles.
11. Frequent Fevers or Infections
Persistent, unexplained fevers or frequent infections may be a sign of leukemia or lymphoma, as these cancers affect the immune system’s ability to fight infections.
What to Do: If you’re experiencing frequent infections or fevers that don’t have a clear cause, seek medical advice.
12. Abdominal Pain or Swelling
Persistent abdominal pain or swelling may indicate ovarian cancer or other types of cancer in the abdomen. Ovarian cancer, in particular, is known to cause vague symptoms like pelvic or abdominal discomfort.
What to Do: Consult your doctor if you have ongoing abdominal pain or swelling that doesn’t go away after a few days.
13. Changes in Appetite
A sudden loss of appetite or feeling full after eating only a small amount of food can be an early symptom of stomach, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer. These cancers can affect your digestive system, impacting your appetite.
What to Do: If you notice a significant change in your appetite that persists, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
14. Mouth Sores or Persistent Ulcers
Sores or ulcers in the mouth that don’t heal within a few weeks may be an early sign of oral cancer. Other symptoms can include persistent pain in the mouth or throat and white or red patches on the gums or tongue.
What to Do: If you have any sore or ulcer in your mouth that doesn’t heal, consult a dentist or doctor for an examination.
15. Unexplained Lumps or Swellings
Unexplained lumps or swelling in areas like the neck, underarm, groin, or other parts of the body may be an indication of lymphoma or other types of cancer. Swelling in the lymph nodes, in particular, can signal an underlying health issue.
What to Do: If you discover an unusual lump that persists or grows, see your healthcare provider for evaluation.
Why It’s Important to Pay Attention to These Symptoms
While many of these symptoms can be linked to less serious health issues, it’s essential not to ignore them, especially if they persist for several weeks or worsen over time.
Early detection is critical for successful cancer treatment, and listening to your body is the first step. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a thorough evaluation.
Remember, it’s better to be proactive and find that everything is fine than to overlook a potential warning sign.
By paying attention to these symptoms and acting early, you can significantly increase your chances of detecting and treating cancer in its early stages.