Learn 18 Common Cancer Symptoms and Signs in Men and Women

Because cancer frequently has no distinct symptoms, it is critical that patients restrict their risk factors and receive adequate cancer screening. Most cancer screenings are age-specific, and your primary care doctor will know which screenings to undertake based on your age.

• People who have cancer risk factors (for example, smokers, heavy alcohol users, high sun exposure, genetics) should be aware of potential cancer symptoms and should be assessed by a doctor if any arise.

• The most effective strategy to combat cancer is through prevention (eliminating or reducing risk factors) and early detection.

• Cancer treatment advances year after year, and when combined with early identification, many malignancies are treatable.

As a result, people must be aware of the signs that may indicate cancer. People should not disregard a warning symptom that could lead to an early diagnosis and, potentially, a cure.

What Do I Need to Know About Cancer?

• Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in the United States, trailing only heart disease.

• A considerable proportion of newly diagnosed cancers are treatable, and cancer is more curable when found early. Although some tumors develop totally without symptoms, the disease can be especially deadly if signs are ignored because you do not suspect malignancy.

• People who have cancer risk factors (for example, smokers, heavy alcohol users, excessive sun exposure, genetics) should be aware of potential cancer symptoms and should be assessed by a doctor if any emerge.

What Are the 18 Cancer Signs and Symptoms?

Most people have no symptoms or indicators that indicate they have cancer. Unfortunately, any cancer complaint or symptom can also be explained by a non-cancerous illness. Some malignancies are more common in specific age groups. However, if specific symptoms emerge or continue, a doctor should be consulted. The following are some of the most prevalent cancer symptoms:

• Constant coughing or blood-tinged saliva

o These symptoms are frequently caused by mild illnesses like bronchitis or sinusitis.

o They could be signs of lung or head and neck cancer. Anyone with a persistent cough that lasts more than a month or who coughs up blood should consult a doctor.

• A shift in bowel habits

o The majority of changes in bowel movements are caused by your diet and hydration intake.

o Doctors occasionally see pencil-thin stools in patients with colon cancer.

o Cancer can occasionally cause chronic diarrhea.

o Some cancer patients feel the urge for a bowel movement and continue to feel that way after they have had one. If any of these unusual gastrointestinal issues persist for more than a few days, they should be evaluated.

o Any major change in bowel movements that cannot be explained by dietary changes should be investigated as cancer-related.