Unexplained weight loss: Persistent fever, weight loss, lethargy beyond 3-4 weeks might be a sign of cancer. Significant weight loss over a few months without any apparent cause, i.e. unexplained weight loss, can be one of the main warning signs that you might be suffering from cancer. This happens most often with cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung.
Any oral ulcer that refuses to heal: If you have a mouth ulcer or white plaque in the mouth which has not healed for more than 3 weeks, then you must consult a doctor. If you use any form of tobacco (smoked or smokeless), stop that. This may be associated with constant irritation due to mal-aligned teeth; you must see a dentist and have the problem sorted as soon as possible as constant irritation to the buccal mucosa can also lead to problems.
Fever: Fever may be associated with some cancers, too. Almost all patients with cancer will have fever at some time or the other, especially if the cancer or its treatment affects the immune system. One can also find constitutional symptoms of fatigue with some kind of cancers.
Bloating, change in bowel habit, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or blood in stool: Symptoms of bowel cancer may include blood in your stools (bowel motion) or abdominal pain. The blood would usually be dark but can be bright red in colour. Fresh, bright red blood is usually a sign of piles (haemorrhoids). You may notice a change in your normal bowel pattern (such as diarrhoea or constipation) for no obvious reason. You might have a feeling of not having emptied your bowel properly after a bowel motion.
Long standing cough with or without expectoration or Hemoptysis or hoarse voice: There are many medical conditions that can cause 'chesty' symptoms like coughing and breathlessness (for example, infections and inflammations), but in some cases these symptoms may be a sign of lung cancer. If you have a cough or feel breathless for more than two weeks you should see your doctor. You should also tell your doctor if you have any blood in your sputum (phlegm) when you cough.
Changes in the skin: One can witness changes in his/her appearance, boundary or colour in a pre-existing mole or appearance of new lesions. Skin cancer may be developing in some. Especially in people who often chew tobacco, smoke or drink alcohol, their skin sores might not heal.
White patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue: It is also known as lenkoplakia, which may progress to oral cavity cancer later. Leukoplakia is a pre-cancerous area that is caused by frequent irritation. If it is not treated, leukoplakia can become oral cancer.
Unusual bleeding or discharge: It can happen in early or advanced cancer. Blood in the sputum (phlegm) may be a sign of lung cancer. Blood in the stool could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Cancer of the cervix or the endometrium (lining of the uterus) can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. Blood in the urine may be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. A bloody discharge from the nipple may be a sign of breast cancer.
Thickening or lump in the breast or other parts of the body: These symptoms can be caused by many other reasons, other than cancer, and a doctor is the best person to identify the reason after necessary investigations. Instead of waiting for symptoms to surface, it would be better to opt for periodic health checkups.
Itching, crusting or bleeding: These are less common signs but should not be ignored. It is important to see your doctor if you have any unusual marks on the skin that last more than a few weeks, or an existing mole which shows any of the above signs. If necessary they will arrange for you to see a doctor who specialises in skin conditions (a dermatologist) or a surgeon.
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