Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow out of control. The estimated number of incident cases of cancer in India for the year 2022 was found to be 14,61,427. Lung cancers and breast cancers were the leading sites of cancer in males and females, respectively.
The cancer incidence is continuing to increase in India. The incidence of cancer cases is estimated to increase by 12.8 percent in 2025 as compared to 2020.
Hence it is important to be aware of the warning signs of cancer.
Unexplained Weight Loss :
Seek medical care as soon as you notice that you’ve lost more than 5 % of your body weight unintentionally or over a short period. Weight loss may be more common in lung cancer, pancreatic, stomach, and esophageal cancer.
Loss of appetite :
Cancer may interfere with the body’s hunger signals in several ways. Cancers of the head, neck, and gastrointestinal tract may cause difficulty swallowing, make eating painful, or create a full feeling despite not eating. Ovarian, lung, stomach, and pancreatic cancers also cause loss of appetite. Tumors release hormones that will decrease your body’s perception of hunger. Cancer may cause appetite-reducing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, and bloating.
Fatigue
Normally tiredness gets better after adequate sleep and rest. Cancer fatigue is something that doesn’t get better with rest and can be an early sign of cancer. Cancer uses the body’s nutrients to multiply and grow. This will lead to a deficiency of nutrition and can lead to extreme tiredness.
Fever
Fever can be a common symptom of colds and the flu, and it is cleared on its own but recurring fever can indicate an underlying illness. You should pay particular attention if a fever is present at night with night sweats and there is no sign of infection in the body. If you have frequent infections one right after the other – should be evaluated by a doctor.
Night sweats
Night sweats may be an early symptom of some cancers like carcinoid tumors, leukemia, and lymphoma. However, night sweats with other symptoms, such as a fever and unexplained weight loss has to be evaluated.
Pain
Persistent pain in the body with no obvious cause that doesn’t go away with the over-the-counter pain relievers or regular treatments has to be evaluated by a physician. Cancer pain can be caused by nerve changes due to cancer pressing on nerves or due to chemicals produced by a tumour.
Skin Changes
Skin is the largest organ of our body and can indicate our inner health. Jaundice causes yellowing of eyes or fingertips could suggest a possible infection or cancer. Any change in moles like colour change, getting larger or irregular borders, bleeds, has become hard has to be evaluated.
Persistent heartburn :
If you have heartburn or indigestion that is not going away, see a doctor. Feeling of pressure in the throat or chest that makes swallowing uncomfortable . They may be signs of cancers that affect the digestive system.
Mouth sores that won’t heal :
An ulcer or sore in the throat or mouth that does not heal or is growing and is becoming more painful has to be checked. If you have white patches on your lips, tongue, gums or elsewhere in your mouth or throat, be sure to get them checked. These white patches in the mouth may be precancerous sores caused by a condition called leukoplakia, if left untreated may develop into cancer.
Changes in urinary or bowel habits :
If you have constipation or diarrhea persistently for several weeks or more frequent or painful urination or bowel movements, Changes in urination like pain when urinating, frequency and a weak stream could signal a urinary tract infection, an enlarged prostate or prostate or bladder cancers.
If you notice blood in your urine or in your stool, which may appear black, tarry, or red, see your healthcare provider. Blood in the stool may indicate inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis or a cancer of the digestive system.
Blood in the urine may signal prostate or bladder cancers. Make an appointment to see your doctor.
Lumps or swelling in the body :
Painless Lumps that are increasing in size should be examined by a doctor. Most lumps are not cancerous and are harmless, especially a lump or swelling that appears suddenly is painful, and is caused by an injury or an infection.
Breast lump :
Causes of a lump in the breast include infection, trauma, fibroadenoma, cyst, fat necrosis, or fibrocystic breasts. Breast lumps may develop in both males and females but are more common in females. Some lumps are cancerous, but most are not. People should always seek advice for an unexplained breast lump as even noncancerous lumps may need treatment.
Be cautious
- When the lump is new and feels firm or fixed and doesn’t go away after a few days.
- If the lump has changed in size or skin color
- Fluid comes out of the nipple suddenly and notices the color of the fluid. The fluid might be bloody.
- The nipple has turned inward.
- A new lump in your armpit, or a lump in your armpit seems to be increasing in size.
While breast lumps should be checked and monitored, it is important to note that the absence of a breast lump does not mean breast cancer cannot or has not developed. Routine screening beginning at age 40 is recommended, all women should receive an annual mammogram.
Women over the age of 18 should perform a monthly breast self-exam. Doing a breast self-exam at home helps detect breast changes so you can discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Nagging cough or hoarseness
Cough that does not go away or change in voice/hoarseness, sputum with blood has to be checked by a physician. Hoarseness is a change in the pitch or quality of the voice..
Hoarseness can be caused by misuse or overuse of the voice, infection, and growths on the vocal cords like cysts, papillomas, polyps and nodules. A cancer growth in the voice box can also cause hoarseness of voice.
Headaches / Vision or hearing problems :
The chance that your headache is a sign of a brain tumor is very remote. Headaches are a common thing among the general population, and the vast majority has nothing to do with cancer.
However, it is recommended that if you experience a new headache, or intensity increases or becomes more frequent, that is a reason to visit your general physician to rule out any serious problems.
Weakness in limbs and dizziness
Feeling dizzy can be caused by a change in blood pressure or stress, or low sugars or dehydration.
However, if you feel lightheaded for more than a couple of days, that doesn’t get better you should talk to your doctor as it may be a symptom of central nervous system tumors or brain metastases. Persistent weakness in your limbs may also be a sign of CNS tumours or brain metastases.
Seizures
Seizures (fits) can also be caused by brain tumors or brain metastases. If you have new onset seizures, see your doctor.
Unexplained vaginal bleeding :
Bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause should be investigated by your doctor.
Shortness of Breath :
Shortness of breath can be caused by an allergy, asthma, pneumonia or heart conditions. Following illness can cause shortness of breath eg lung cancer, mesothelioma, and cancer that has spread to the lung.
Each of these things can easily be a sign of other conditions. Always get them checked!
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Conclusion
Early detection of cancer is crucial for effective treatment and better outcomes. Being aware of warning signs like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, persistent pain, or unusual lumps can help with timely diagnosis. If any symptoms persist, consulting a specialist is essential. Jus’Onco Private Limited in Chennai provides expert cancer care with advanced treatments and personalized plans. Prioritizing regular screenings and medical check-ups can make a significant difference in fighting cancer. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and seek medical attention when needed.