16 Most Ignored Cancer Signs and Symptoms 

Cancer–a word that can scare anyone. Thankfully, catching it earlier can boost the chances of successful treatment. Our body sends signals when something is wrong with our health, but we often brush them off (or don’t even notice them). 

It is because they seem minor or can easily be blamed on less serious conditions. However, these pains and discomforts sometimes indicate something serious is in play. This doesn’t mean that you should be worried about every little ache or pain- but rather, just learn to tune in when it matters. A recent report revealed that, in 2022 alone, cancer claimed the lives of 9 million people in the US. Data also suggests that by 2050, the number of cancer patients could rise by 77%. 

Therefore, the symptoms must be identified on time because early cancer detection increases the five-year survival rate significantly in most forms of cancer. Let’s dive into 16 symptoms of cancer that are usually overlooked. 

1. Persistent or Unusual Fatigue

People commonly relate tiredness to many factors, such as demanding schedules, stress levels, or inadequate sleep. While it’s okay to feel exhausted after some cumbersome activities, cancer-related fatigue is a different ballgame. It’s an overwhelming exhaustion that doesn’t get better with rest. 

This type of fatigue can be caused by various factors, including cancer itself, which may alter the body’s metabolism, hormonal changes, and the body’s effort to fight off the disease. Additionally, some types of cancer affect the formation of red blood cells, which leads to anemia, a condition associated with fatigue and weakness. Nevertheless, you should see a doctor if your fatigue persists for no reason or limits your functions in any way.

2. Unexplained Weight Loss 

Weight loss is often one of the noticeable signs of several types of cancer, including pancreatic, stomach, lung, or esophageal cancer. Yet, it is frequently overlooked because of other benign causes, such as stress or dietary changes. According to the American Cancer Society, unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more could be one of the first signs of cancer.

The reasons behind weight loss can be multifaceted. Cancerous cells drain a lot of the body’s energy, leading to significant weight drops. Cancer can also alter the way the body uses nutrients from food. It can also increase metabolism, even when a person is not active, resulting in a higher energy expenditure. It is critical to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause. 

3. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

Changes in bowel or bladder habits are often sensitive topics people hesitate to discuss; however, detecting them on time is key. For instance, persistent diarrhea or constipation, stool size changes, or blood in stool could be hints of colorectal cancer. Similarly, frequent visits to the loo, feeling pain while urinating, or seeing blood in your urine might signal bladder or prostate cancer. While less serious conditions can also cause these signs, ignoring them is not an option.

Regular screenings are recommended, especially for those with a family history or other risk factors. Early detection through colonoscopies and urine analyses can be game-changers in managing and treating these diseases effectively. 

4. Unusual Skin Changes

Sun exposure and abnormal spots on the skin are well-known threats; checking our skin for unhealthy moles is another familiar precaution. However, other skin changes can also indicate cancer, though these signs are less common. For example, a sore that doesn’t heal, such as a persistent sore or lesion on the lips, tongue, or genitals, may be an early sign of skin cancer.

It’s also crucial to monitor moles that change in size, shape, or color, become irregular or oval, develop a different color, or have an ill-defined edge. Additionally, any new or unusual skin growths, such as a lump, bump, or wart, especially those that show signs of bleeding or oozing, should be discussed with a qualified doctor.

5. Persistent Indigestion or Difficulty Swallowing

Persistent indigestion or trouble swallowing (dysphagia) can signal gastrointestinal cancers like esophageal, stomach, or throat cancer. While occasional indigestion is common, ongoing discomfort that doesn’t improve with typical remedies needs medical attention. Tumors can disrupt normal digestion.

Dysphagia may cause difficulty swallowing, the feeling of food being stuck, coughing or choking during meals, and even weight loss due to eating problems. 

6. Night Sweats

Night sweats are often associated with a hot climate, sleepwear, hormonal fluctuations, or infections. While sweating during sleep is common and waking up drenched in sweat can be uncomfortable, it is usually not a cause for concern if it happens infrequently.

However, if night sweats regularly disrupt your sleep pattern, it could indicate an underlying issue, including cancer. Certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma or leukemia, can cause night sweats as the body’s metabolism speeds up in response to fighting the disease.

7. Unexplained Fevers or Chills

Symptoms like fevers and chills are tied to flu-like symptoms, so most people do not seek professional help to treat them because they believe they will subside at some point. However, a fever that won’t go away is one of the signs that your body is fighting an underlying condition, including cancer, like leukemia or lymphoma. 

These types of cancers can interfere with the body’s immune system, leading to frequent infections or a persistent low-grade fever. In many cases, fever associated with cancer occurs because the cancer cells produce substances that affect the body’s normal temperature regulation.

8. Unusual Bleeding

Unusual bleeding can also be due to benign conditions, but most of the time, it’s alarming and may indicate certain types of cancer. This kind of bleeding differs from normal bleeding and could appear in various forms. 

For example, blood in your urine could indicate bladder or kidney cancer, while rectal bleeding could be a symptom of colon or rectal cancer. Bleeding from the v*gina between periods, after menopause, or during sex may also be a sign of gynecological cancers like cervical or endometrial cancer.

Additionally, unusual discharge from the n*pple could indicate breast cancer, and bloody discharge from the n*pple is an early indicator. You can never ignore unexplained nosebleeds or coughing up blood, too, as it can be a sign of lung cancer, especially when these symptoms are persistent and do not resolve with standard treatments.

9. Hoarseness or Cough

Often, we dismiss hoarseness and cough as typical symptoms of the flu or a common cold, assuming they will resolve without medical intervention. A sore throat accompanied by a hoarse voice or cough can indeed be linked to various causes, such as a cold, allergies, or respiratory infections, but it won’t last more than a couple of weeks. 

However, persistent hoarseness or a cough that doesn’t improve with medication or time could be indicative of cancer. Specifically, hoarseness may signal throat or laryngeal cancer. Additionally, a persistent cough, especially if accompanied by blood-streaked mucus or chest pain, might suggest lung cancer.

10. Lumps or Swelling

We sometimes ignore lumps as muscle tightness, insect bites, or simple skin cysts. While many lumps are benign and not cancerous, it’s crucial to monitor any new or unusual lumps on your body. 

These can appear anywhere, such as the breast, armpit, groin, neck, or abdomen. While self-exams can give you a general understanding of your body and help you spot changes, they are not a reliable method for diagnosing cancer. Instead, it’s a way to become familiar with your body and notice if any changes need medical attention.

11. Unusual Skin Discoloration

Changes in skin color, such as yellowing (jaundice), darkening, or reddening, can be a sign of cancer. Jaundice, which results in a yellowish tint to the skin and the whites of the eyes, can indicate cancers of the liver or pancreas.

Darkening of the skin may result from adrenal gland cancers while reddening, known as erythema, can sometimes be associated with underlying cancers or their treatments. Skin discoloration requires careful evaluation by a healthcare professional to determine the cause and rule out serious conditions. 

12. Trouble Healing Wounds

We usually don’t rush to the hospital for minor cuts and wounds, unlike when we suspect an infection. While most wounds heal with time, there are instances when medical attention becomes necessary. 

If a wound fails to heal and shows concerning signs, it could indicate underlying health issues such as cancer, diabetes, or vascular diseases. Cancer, in particular, can impair the body’s immune and circulatory systems, hindering the natural healing process and making self-repair more challenging. Additionally, chronic non-healing ulcers can develop as a complication of skin cancer. 

13. Changes in Appetite

Appetite changes are sometimes overlooked because they are linked to stress, workload, or dietary shifts. It’s normal for our hunger levels to vary occasionally. However, when drastic fluctuations in appetite occur without a clear reason, it can be a serious red flag.

Some cancers, like pancreatic or stomach cancer, can manifest as a sudden loss of appetite. 

Conversely, if you’re eating more but losing weight over time, it could indicate cancers such as esophageal cancer. Paying attention to these changes is crucial for early detection and treatment.

14. Changes in Breast Tissue

Changes in breast tissue are concerning as they can be a sign of breast cancer. These changes may include lumps, thickening of the tissue, or any unusual differences in the look or feel of the breasts.

It’s essential to do regular self-examinations and be aware of what is normal for your breasts, which will make it easier to detect any anomalies early on. Additional symptoms to watch for are nipple discharge (especially if it’s bloody), changes in the size or shape of the breast, skin dimpling, or nipples that become inverted.

15. Difficulty Breathing

Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, can occur after physical exertion or in individuals with conditions such as asthma. However, persistent or worsening difficulty in breathing may be a sign of cancer. 

Lung cancer, for instance, can obstruct the airway or impair lung function, leading to shortness of breath. Additionally, cancers like pleural mesothelioma can cause fluid buildup around the lungs, further exacerbating breathing difficulties.

16. Changes in Nail Appearance

Changes in nail shape, color, and damage depth are often overlooked and dismissed as natural aging or minor injury. While aging, vitamin deficiencies, and heredity can influence nail conditions, alterations in nails can also signal certain medical disorders, including cancer.

Skin cancers, such as melanomas, can develop beneath both the nail plate and the nail bed. Though fine lines running parallel to the nail plate are normal, the presence of horizontal lines or deep grooves warrants a doctor’s consultation.

17 Things That Happen When Someone Stops Drinking

Have you ever wondered what changes you might see in yourself once you put down the glass for good? Deciding to quit drinking, even if you don’t drink “that much,” can be life-changing. 

Studies show that alcohol consumption has been linked to over 200 diseases and around 178000 deaths in the US each year. You’re taking a decisive step towards improving your health and overall well-being by quitting drinking.

17 Things That Happen When Someone Stops Drinking

16 Science-Backed Reasons to Go Outside Everyday

How much time did you spend outdoors this week? In our fast-paced world, where screens take up all our attention, it’s not surprising that we spend more time indoors than ever. While getting caught up in the daily grind is easy, stepping outside and spending time in nature cannot be overlooked.

Spending time outdoors is magical and offers more benefits than most people realize. The fresh air, the sound of birds, and the greenery lift the mood instantly, but the advantages go beyond just making us feel good. 

16 Science-Backed Reasons to Go Outside Everyday