Early Warning Signs of Cancer: What to Look Out For

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• Posted On October 7, 2025

More than 9 million people will have died from various types of cancer around the world in 2025. They predict that this number will only increase, reaching 11 million, by 2030. 

However, studies have shown that you can avoid becoming part of the aforementioned statistic, according to Cancer Tomorrow. It all begins with making lifestyle choices and going to routine cancer screening tests, which can help detect early symptoms of cancer. The earlier any sign is detected, the more treatment options you have. 

You might already be living a healthy life, avoiding tobacco and alcohol. But it still pays to be aware of the early warning signs of cancer. Seeking prompt medical help minimizes your risks. It’s important not to wait and act early. You can’t hope for the symptoms to go away on their own. 

Therefore, in this blog, we will list some of the common early signs of cancer. Along with that, we will also discuss when you should seek medical help. 

Prevention is always better than a cure. So, let’s begin.

Scheduling a Cancer Test – When To Visit A Doctor About Symptoms

Some symptoms that are associated with cancer, like a lump, pain, or heartburn, are generally not caused by cancer. These common symptoms of cancer might be triggered by benign conditions. But it’s good to be aware of any changes in your body, especially when they don’t feel right to you. It’s crucial to trust your instincts, especially if you’re above 50 years of age. 

If you notice common warning signs of cancer, seek medical advice for:

• Persistent symptoms that get progressively worse over a few weeks.
• Unusual bumps or lumps that don’t go away.

It’s better to be careful than not pay attention to these signs. Also, it’s important to pay attention to whether you’ve other conditions that can develop into cancer or have a family history.

Potential Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

Sudden Weight Loss

Unexplained and rapid weight loss, especially if it’s above 10 pounds, might indicate cancer. Loss of appetite is also related to stomach, esophageal, or lung cancers. 

For those diagnosed with cancer, weight loss is a common experience. Even if you’re consuming your regular diet, specific types of cancer cause a deprivation of essential nutrients. Therefore, your cells are affected, and it results in weight loss. Schedule a doctor’s visit if you lose a lot of weight in a short period, especially when you’re not trying to. 

Recurrent Night Sweats and/or Fever

A common symptom of illness or infection is fever, such as the flu. Fevers, by themselves, aren’t a cause for concern. However, if you get a high fever with chronic night sweats over multiple consecutive weeks, consult a specialist. Often, such fevers can’t be explained by the flu, and frequent infections might be a sign of cancer in the body. 

Unexplained or New Pain

Persistent pain without an obvious cause (injury or illness) that doesn’t respond to the usual treatments should be examined by a doctor.

For example, swelling, pain, or a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen and scrotum might be a sign of penile, prostate, testicular, or bladder cancer. Sensitivity or unusual pain in the breasts might be a symptom of breast cancer. 

Persistent Indigestion or Heartburn

If you usually never have indigestion or heartburn, but notice it happening regularly and it’s not going away, it could be a warning sign of cancer. Especially for symptoms of cancers that impact the digestive system, such as stomach or colorectal cancer.

Persistent Bloating, Nausea, or Stomach/Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain and discomfort might indicate a cancer in the digestive system. Distended stomach, nausea, bloating, or feeling full fast are possible signs of liver, pancreatic, and gynecologic cancers. 

Mouth Sores

Mouth sores can be caused by many underlying conditions, but if they don’t heal, it might be an early symptom of cancer. If you drink heavily or use tobacco and notice lesions, white patches, or sores on your tongue, gums, or lips, be sure to get them examined. These signs can be due to oral cancer. 

Sometimes, white patches are caused by leukoplakia, which are precancerous sores in the mouth. If left untreated, they might develop into cancer. 

Changes in Bowel or Urinary Habits

If you have diarrhea or constipation consistently for multiple weeks, make a doctor’s appointment. Painful or frequent bowel movements or urination are possible early-stage cancer symptoms of colon or stomach cancer. However, it could be a sign of Crohn’s disease, which is an inflammatory bowel disease. 

Frequent and painful urination, and a weak stream, can be caused by a UTI or, enlarged prostate. But it can also be a symptom of bladder or prostate cancers. 

Blood in Stool or Urine

If you notice your stool or urine appearing red, black, or tarry, consult a healthcare provider. Blood in stool can be caused by IBS, ulcerative colitis, or digestive system cancer. Bladder or prostate cancers can be the cause of blood in urine.

Unexplained Lumps 

You might notice lumps in your throat or neck if you have an infection. They usually happen if you have a cold, and they go away on their own. However, if the swollen lymph nodes persist after the illness runs its course, consult a doctor. Also, schedule a consultation if you notice swelling in your testes or armpits, especially if you don’t have any infection. Lumps in these areas might be signs of testicular or prostate cancer in men, and breast cancer in men or women. 

Unexplained Skin Changes

Changes to the shape, size, or color of new freckles, warts, or moles should be checked. Such unexplained changes to the skin might indicate skin cancer. 

If you notice any change in your skin coloration, see a doctor. Liver diseases might change the color of your skin, but the same can be caused by liver or pancreatic cancer. 

Swallowing Troubles 

Does it feel like food is getting stuck in your throat whenever you eat? Or are you experiencing difficulties in swallowing? If both problems last for more than a fortnight, consult a doctor. This could be an early symptom of cancer in the stomach, throat, or lung. 

Persistent Coughing

Dry, hacking coughs that last more than two weeks might be a sign of lung cancer, especially if you’re coughing up blood. 

Additionally, consult a doctor if you’re experiencing consistent hoarseness or a raspy, breathy, or strained voice when you speak. It could be a symptom of throat or thyroid cancer if you also have pain in your throat or neck, or find swallowing difficult. 

Pelvic Pain or Irregular Periods

If you’re experiencing abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding, particularly if you’re post-menopausal, have it checked out by a doctor. Persistent pelvic pain, unusual vaginal discharge, or pain during sex are also possible signs of uterine, cervical, vaginal, or ovarian cancers. 

Persistent Headache

A headache that lasts over two weeks and doesn’t respond to prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications needs to be checked by a doctor. Additionally, double or blurred vision, facial drooping, seizures, and hearing changes are some warning signs of brain cancers or brain tumors. 

Excessive Bruising

Blood cancer symptoms often include excessive bruising in peculiar areas on your body, not caused by bumping into things or injuries. Get them checked by a healthcare professional. 

Persistent Fatigue

Regardless of how much you relax or sleep, your energy levels keep plummeting. If you feel like you can’t replenish your energy, see a healthcare professional to determine if this is a possible symptom of lymphoma or leukemia. 

Confusion or muscle weakness might indicate other cancer types, which affect hormone levels or lead to internal bleeding. Persistent fatigue can be attributed to stomach or colon cancer. 

Cancer’s first-stage symptoms can often be mistaken for other underlying conditions, but as we mentioned, prevention is always better than cure. It’s better to know and start treatment immediately than not.If you have helpful insights on cancer symptoms, don’t forget to send us your thoughts and opinions to our Write For Us Health & Wellness section!

F.A.Qs

1. How do I know if I should get checked for cancer?

If you’re concerned about cancer, consult a healthcare professional who can examine your individual risk factors and provide personalized guidance. Some common signs that may warrant a doctor’s visit include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent pain or changes in bodily functions
• Unusual discharge or bleeding
• Changes in skin, such as new sores or moles
• Persistent coughing or difficulty swallowing

2. What is the biggest symptom of cancer?

There isn’t a single biggest cancer symptom, since many types can manifest in various ways. Some common signs could include unexplained weight loss or unusual bleeding. But it’s important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. If you’re worried, consult a healthcare professional for a thorough examination and diagnosis.

3. At what age is cancer most common?

Cancer is most common in people aged 50 and above.

4. What are the biggest causes of cancer?

Here are some of the biggest causes of cancer:

• Lifestyle choices such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, an unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. 
• Environmental factors such as radiation exposure, air pollution, and household chemicals.
• Genetic predisposition, which relates to family history and inherited gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
• Infections such as HPV, Hepatitis B and C, and Helicobacter pylori.

Eliza Gordon

Eliza Gordon is a seasoned writer for the health industry dedicated to providing fact-based health information. She sources concise facts from authoritative sources to ensure maximum credibility and shares guidelines to lead a healthy lifestyle.