Most of us ignore small changes in our bodies. A mouth ulcer that won’t heal, a cough that lingers, a lump that doesn’t hurt. We tell ourselves it’s nothing and get on with the day.
Often it is nothing. But sometimes it’s the body’s early warning, and catching cancer early can change everything. In this post, we explain the symptoms of some of the most common cancers and how each is treated, so you know when to act.
First, the General Warning Signs
Many cancers start quietly. If any of these last more than two to three weeks, see a doctor:
- A lump or thickening anywhere in the body
- Unexplained weight loss or constant tiredness
- A wound or mouth ulcer that doesn’t heal
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- A long-lasting cough, hoarseness or trouble swallowing
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
These signs usually have harmless causes. But it’s always better to be sure, and early detection gives you the most options.
Breast Cancer
What to look for: a lump in the breast or underarm, a change in the size or shape of the breast, dimpling or redness of the skin, or a nipple that turns inward or discharges fluid.
How it’s treated: The plan depends on the stage and type of tumour. It may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy. Tests on the tumour help the doctor choose what will work best.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is very common in India, largely because of tobacco, betel quid and alcohol.
What to look for: a mouth ulcer that doesn’t heal in two weeks, white or red patches in the mouth, pain while chewing or swallowing, or a lump in the mouth or neck.
How it’s treated: Surgery is usually the main treatment, sometimes followed by radiation or chemotherapy. Since you can see and feel the mouth, regular self-checks and dental visits can catch it early.
Cervical Cancer
What to look for: bleeding between periods, after intercourse or after menopause, unusual discharge, or pelvic pain.
Early cervical cancer often has no symptoms, so regular screening (a Pap smear or HPV test) matters. The HPV vaccine also helps prevent it.
How it’s treated: Early-stage cancer is often treated with surgery. More advanced cases are commonly treated with radiation combined with chemotherapy.
Lung Cancer
What to look for: a cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, breathlessness, chest pain, wheezing or unexplained weight loss.
How it’s treated: Options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Molecular testing of the tumour helps decide which of these suits you.
Colorectal Cancer
What to look for: blood in the stool, a lasting change in bowel habits, abdominal pain or bloating, or unexplained weakness and anaemia.
How it’s treated: Surgery is the main treatment for most cases, often with chemotherapy. Radiation is common for rectal cancer, and some patients benefit from targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
Stomach and Prostate Cancer
Stomach cancer can show up as persistent indigestion, feeling full after small meals, nausea, black stools or weight loss. It’s usually treated with surgery and chemotherapy, sometimes with radiation or targeted therapy.
Prostate cancer can cause a weak urine flow, frequent urination at night, blood in the urine or pain in the hips and back. Slow-growing cases may only need careful monitoring, while others are treated with surgery, radiation or hormone therapy.
How Doctors Confirm Cancer
Symptoms alone can’t confirm cancer. Your doctor may suggest a physical exam, imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI or PET scan), blood tests and, most importantly, a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is examined. Molecular testing may follow to guide targeted treatment.
The Main Types of Treatment
- Surgery removes the tumour and nearby tissue.
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow cancer cells across the body.
- Targeted therapy attacks specific features of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight cancer.
- Hormone therapy blocks hormones that fuel certain cancers.
- Supportive care eases pain and side effects at every stage.
Many patients get a combination, planned around their cancer type, stage, age and overall health.
Small Habits That Help
You can’t control everything, but you can lower your risk and improve your odds:
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
- Stay active and eat a balanced diet
- Get recommended screenings, especially if cancer runs in your family
- Report any lasting change in your body to a doctor
Cancer Care Close to Home
Travelling far for treatment adds cost and stress at a time when you have enough to deal with. At Jus’Onco, we offer affordable, compassionate care, including day-care chemotherapy, immunotherapy and early detection support. Our Kanchipuram clinic serves patients from Chengalpattu, Sriperumbudur, Arakkonam, Ranipet, Vellore, Tiruvallur and nearby towns.
Not sure who to see first? Read our guide to choosing the right oncologist, or get to know our team.
Worried About a Symptom? Talk to Us
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. A simple consultation can bring answers, and peace of mind.
