5. Swollen lymph nodes or lumps in the neck, armpits, or groin
Swollen lymph nodes indicate changes in the lymphatic system, which may be a sign of cancer.
6. Excessive bruising or bleeding that doesn’t stop
This symptom usually suggests that something abnormal is happening to your platelets and red blood cells, which may be a sign of leukemia. Over time, leukemia cells replace red blood cells and platelets, impairing your blood’s ability to carry oxygen and clot.
7. Weakness and tiredness
Generalized fatigue and weakness are symptoms of so many different types of cancer that you will need to consider them in combination with other symptoms. But any time you feel exhausted inexplicably and don’t respond to more sleep, talk to your doctor.
8. Abdominal swelling or weight gain
Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer overwhelmingly report unexplained abdominal swelling that comes on quite suddenly and continues to recur intermittently over a long period of time.
9. Feeling of fullness and inability to eat
This is another sign of ovarian cancer: women report having no appetite and being unable to eat, even if they haven’t eaten for a while.
10. Pelvic or abdominal pain
Pain and cramping in the pelvis and abdomen can go hand in hand with the swelling that often signals ovarian cancer. Leukemia can also cause abdominal pain from an enlarged spleen.
11. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
This is a common finding of colorectal cancer diagnosis. Blood in the toilet alone is a reason to call your doctor and schedule a colonoscopy.
12. Unexplained weight loss
Weight loss is an early sign of colon cancer and other digestive cancers; it is also a sign of cancer that has spread to the liver, affecting appetite and the body’s ability to rid itself of waste.
13. Stomach ache or stomach pain
Stomach cramps or frequent stomach upset may be indicative of colorectal cancer.
14. A red, sore or swollen breast
These symptoms may indicate inflammatory breast cancer. Call your doctor about any unexplained changes in your breasts.
15. Nipple changes
One of the most common changes women recall noticing before being diagnosed with breast cancer is the nipple becoming flattened, inverted, or turned to one side.
16. Unusually heavy or painful periods or bleeding between periods
Many women report this as a sign of endometrial or uterine cancer. Ask for a transvaginal ultrasound if you suspect anything more than a normal heavy menstrual cycle.
17. Swelling of the facial features
Some lung cancer patients report that they have noticed swelling, swelling, or redness on their face. Small cell lung cancers commonly block blood vessels in the chest, preventing blood from flowing freely from the head and face.
18. A skin sore or lump that doesn’t heal, becomes crusted, or bleeds easily
Learn about the different types of skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma) and be sure to check your skin all over your body for any strange-looking growths or spots.
19. Changes in nails
Unexplained changes in the nails can be a sign of several types of cancer. A brown or black streak or spot under the nail may indicate skin cancer, while newly discovered “clubbing” (enlargement of the ends of the fingers with nails that curve downward at the tips) may be a sign of lung cancer. Pale or white nails can sometimes be a sign of liver cancer.
