Cancer is a severe health condition where the body’s cells begin to mutate and spread uncontrollably. The disease can lead to many signs and symptoms. Some signs show in the early stages and must be evaluated immediately, while others like fever or weight loss develop only as the condition progresses. Besides, the symptoms also vary depending on the type of cancer. Here, we will discuss some of the most common warning signs of cancer.

1. Pain
Pain is one of the common warning signs of cancer. It is usually experienced in specific locations where the cancer cells are present. For instance, bone cancer patients experience pain in the bones, especially in the back, legs, and ribs. Brain tumors, on the other hand, might lead to headaches that can go on for days. Unfortunately, since pain is common in many health conditions, the sign is often ignored.

2. Skin changes
This is another common warning sign of cancer. To diagnose the problem, doctors examine the patient’s skin for new or unusual moles, marks, or bumps on the body. Although such skin changes are mostly a sign of skin cancer, they could appear in other kinds of cancer as well. If the skin looks red or yellow, seems darkened, itches, has an unexplained rash, or sprouts more hair, it may be a sign of lymphoma, kidney, ovarian, or liver cancer.

3. Weight loss
Very often, weight loss is the first cancer sign. Since cancer attacks healthy cells, the body puts up a fight. As a result, a significant amount of energy is lost, and the patient loses weight. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), people usually lose somewhere around ten pounds before their cancer diagnosis. However, incomprehensible weight loss might also be a sign of other health conditions, such as an overactive thyroid. The difference in cancer-induced weight loss is that it usually happens suddenly. It is prevalent in stomach, pancreas, lung, or esophagus-related cancer.

4. Fever
Fever is the body’s response to an illness or infection. Hence, fever is a common symptom in people with cancer. Unfortunately, a fever may also mean that cancer has spread to the advanced stages. But if a person has blood cancer, such as lymphoma or leukemia, it may be an early warning sign.

5. Pelvic pain or abnormal periods
Women often complain of period cramps or irregular periods, which is not a problem. However, if there is a change in the cycle or persistent pain, it may be a sign of ovarian, uterine, or cervical cancer.

6. Changes in bowel habits
Significant changes in bodily functions may mean bladder, prostate, or colon cancer, among others. Some key warning signs are diarrhea or constipation, red or black blood in the stool, black stools, blood in the urine, and frequent urination.