10 Red Flags: Subtle Body Changes That Could Signal Cancer

Cancer led to an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018, according to the World Health Organization. This is 1 in 6 deaths. The second leading cause of death globally, cancer, the impact continues to grow. By 2050, new cancer cases are projected to reach 35 million, a staggering 77% increase from the estimated 20 million cases in 2022.

Catching the signs of cancer early is crucial for better treatment options and outcomes. However, recognizing the early signs of cancer can be challenging, as many symptoms overlap with everyday health issues. Here are 10 unusual changes you should not dismiss, as they could be a warning sign of cancer.

Your gut plays a crucial role in your overall health, which is why changes in bowel habits should not be dismissed. Though most people experience occasional changes, any new, unusual, or persistent changes should not be dismissed. These include diarrhea, constipation, or difficulty passing stools that last two months or longer. Rectal bleeding or abdominal discomfort are often a warning sign of colorectal cancer.

Do you wake up feeling exhausted? Fatigue, even after a good night’s sleep, is not normal. Chronic fatigue or extreme tiredness that doesn’t get better with rest is a warning sign of cancer. Fatigue is linked to most cancers, including colon cancer. Do not ignore if fatigue doesn’t go away after rest or is accompanied by other symptoms.

One crucial sign of cancer most people tend to dismiss is weight loss. At a time when people are obsessed with losing weight and looking slimmer, weight loss is often considered a positive change. But if you are losing weight without trying, it is a warning sign. Losing 10 percent or more of your body weight without any changes in lifestyle and diet should not be dismissed. Unintentional weight loss is linked to cancers of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, and pancreas.

One sign people tend to mistake for benign conditions is rectal bleeding. It is often dismissed as changes in diet or other lifestyle changes. Blood in stool or rectal bleeding can have many causes; however, one is colorectal cancer. This is why it is important to consult a doctor if it persists

Abdominal pain is also a warning sign of certain types of cancers, including stomach or colon cancer. Persistent abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort that does not resolve with standard remedies or persists for weeks should not be dismissed.

Another warning sign of cancer is a cough. A lingering cough or hoarseness that does not go away is a cause for concern. If the cough lingers after a cold, and worsens, or persists for eight weeks or more, it should not be ignored. This sign warrants immediate attention.

Most people tend to miss the signs of skin cancer. New or changing moles, irregular pigmentation, or sores that do not heal are warning signs of skin cancers such as melanoma. Such changes should not be dismissed. Also, ensure to get regular check-ups for unusual growths.

Chronic pain is another crucial sign of cancer. If you experience physical pain with no known reason, consult a doctor. A pain that is new, unexplained, or doesn’t go away or gets worse, can be a sign of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

The above-mentioned symptoms don't always point to cancer. Most symptoms have benign explanations; however, it is important not to ignore persistent, unusual, or worsening signs. If you feel it's unusual and is lingering longer, consult a doctor. Early diagnosis, especially for cancer, can mean the difference between life and death.

​Any changes in the breast should not be dismissed. A breast lump is an early sign of breast cancer. If you notice a lump, it is important that you talk to your doctor immediately. In 2022, breast cancer led to 670,000 deaths globally. 99% of breast cancers occur in women, and 0.5–1% in men. While a breast lump is concerning, it is important to understand that most (8 out of 10) lumps are benign (non-cancerous).