Unexpected bleeding can sometimes be an important warning sign.
Examples include:
- Blood in the stool
- Blood in the urine
- Coughing up blood
- Vomiting blood
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding after menopause
The cause is not necessarily cancer, but unexplained bleeding should be medically assessed.
5. Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits
A prolonged change in bowel habits can include:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Persistent constipation
- Narrower-than-usual stools
- A feeling that the bowel has not completely emptied
- A change in how frequently you have bowel movements
These symptoms are common and often have non-cancerous explanations. However, persistent changes—especially when accompanied by blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss—should be investigated.
6. Persistent Changes in Urination
Changes in urination can have many causes, including urinary infections, prostate problems, medications, and other conditions.
Possible warning signs include:
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty urinating
- A persistent need to urinate
- Changes in urine flow
- Pain or burning during urination
Blood in the urine should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
7. A Persistent Cough
A cough that lasts for weeks without an obvious explanation deserves medical attention.
This is especially important when the cough is accompanied by:
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent hoarseness
- Unexplained weight loss
Most persistent coughs are not caused by cancer, but prolonged symptoms should not simply be ignored.
8. Hoarseness or Voice Changes
A voice that remains hoarse or noticeably different for an extended period can have several causes, including infections, acid reflux, vocal strain, smoking, and other conditions.
Persistent unexplained hoarseness should be evaluated, particularly if it continues for several weeks or occurs alongside difficulty swallowing or breathing.
9. Difficulty Swallowing
Persistent difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, can occur with numerous conditions.
Some people may feel that food becomes stuck in the throat or chest, while others may experience pain when swallowing.
Because swallowing difficulties can occasionally be associated with cancers of the throat or esophagus, persistent or progressive symptoms deserve medical assessment.
10. Persistent Indigestion or Abdominal Discomfort
Ongoing indigestion, bloating, abdominal discomfort, or a feeling of fullness can have many causes.
Most digestive symptoms are not cancer. However, symptoms that are persistent, unexplained, or significantly different from your usual digestive pattern should be discussed with a doctor.
This is particularly important if they occur alongside weight loss, vomiting, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing.
11. Persistent Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can result from countless conditions, ranging from temporary digestive problems to infections and other medical disorders.
Pain that is persistent, unexplained, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms should not be ignored.
The location and characteristics of the pain can help a healthcare professional determine what further evaluation may be appropriate.
12. Persistent Back Pain Without an Obvious Cause
Back pain is extremely common and is usually related to muscles, joints, posture, or other non-cancerous conditions.
However, persistent or unexplained back pain—particularly when it is accompanied by other unusual symptoms—should be evaluated.
It is important not to assume that back pain alone indicates cancer.
13. Changes in a Mole or Skin Lesion
A changing mole can be an important reason to seek medical advice.
Pay attention to changes involving:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color changes
- Diameter
- Evolving appearance
A mole that changes in size, shape, color, or texture, or a new unusual skin lesion that does not heal, should be examined by a healthcare professional.
14. A Sore That Does Not Heal
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