Most of us already know about common cancer symptoms such as a lump or mole on the skin, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Unfortunately, these telltale warnings may not always be present—or even noticeable at first glance. While routine screenings are key for early diagnosis, it’s just as important to be aware of subtler signals that could indicate the presence of something more serious within your body. To help you stay one step ahead in keeping your health in check, we’ve compiled fifteen surprisingly common symptoms associated with various types of cancer. Knowing these “red flags” can make all the difference when it comes to detecting and addressing potential issues sooner rather than later!

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexpected or rapid weight loss can be a sign of cancer in the stomach, esophagus, pancreas, and many other organs. If you’ve been having trouble maintaining your weight despite changes to your diet and exercise routine, it’s time to take a closer look at what could be going on under the surface.

2. Pain

Pain is one of the most common and persistent warning signs of cancer, particularly in the bones or area around a tumor. If you’ve been experiencing any kind of chronic or unusual pain that won’t go away—especially if it’s localized to a specific area of your body—it could be time to speak with a doctor and get it checked out.

3. Change in Bathroom Habits

Sudden changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, can be caused by various factors but could also be due to cancer in the colon or rectum. If you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it’s best to get it checked out.

4. Unexpected Bleeding or Discharge

Unexplained bleeding or discharge could be a sign of many types of cancer, such as cervical, uterine, vaginal, and prostate cancers. If you’ve been experiencing any kind of unexplained bleeding or discharge that does not stop within a few days, it’s important to talk to a doctor.

5. Persistent Cough

A persistent cough that won’t go away could be a sign of lung cancer or other diseases in the airways. If you’ve had an ongoing cough for more than three weeks, have difficulty breathing, or experience any other symptoms such as chest pain, it’s best to speak with a doctor.

6. Skin Changes

Changes in the skin such as new bumps or moles, sores that won’t heal, and changes in the color of existing moles could potentially be signs of skin cancer. If you notice any unusual changes on your skin, it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible.

7. Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing or other changes in how food moves through the digestive tract could be a sign of cancer in the throat, esophagus, stomach, or pancreas. If you’ve been having any difficulty with swallowing—especially if accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath—it’s important to get it checked out.

8. Unexplained Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of many types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma. If you’ve been feeling an unusual amount of tiredness that won’t go away with rest or sleep, it’s time to get it checked out.

9. Abnormal Bloating or Swelling

Abnormal bloating or swelling could be a sign of ovarian cancer, so if you’ve been consistently feeling bloated despite making changes to your diet and lifestyle, speak with your doctor about possible causes.

10. Unexplained Fever

Unexplained fever or night sweats can be a sign of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, so it’s important to look out for any temperature changes in the body that don’t seem to have a clear cause. If you’ve been having an ongoing fever or night sweats for more than two weeks, it’s best to get it checked out.

11. Feeling Full Quickly After Eating

Feeling full quickly after eating or feeling like food isn’t moving through your digestive system as usual could be a sign of stomach cancer. If you’ve been experiencing persistent changes in how food is being digested, it’s important to get it checked out.

12. Joint Pain or Stiffness

Joint pain or stiffness could be a sign of leukemia and other types of cancer, so if you’ve been experiencing any kind of persistent joint discomfort that won’t go away, it’s important to talk to your doctor about possible causes.

13. Abnormal Lump or Mass

Abnormal lumps or masses in the body can be a sign of cancer, so if you’ve noticed any changes to your skin that won’t go away, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible.

14. Changes in Nail Appearance

Changes in nail appearance such as white or dark spots, ridges, or discoloration could be a sign of skin cancer. If you’ve been noticing any abnormal changes to your nails that don’t seem to have an obvious cause, it’s best to get it checked out.

15. Unexplained Bruising

Unexplained bruising or bleeding could be a sign of leukemia, so if you’ve been noticing any changes to your skin that don’t seem to have an obvious cause, it’s best to speak with your doctor.

Conclusion

While it can be easy to overlook some of the more subtle signs and symptoms of cancer, it’s important to remain aware and vigilant when it comes to any changes in your body. Knowing the warning signs is key for early diagnosis and treatment, so if you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms or have any concerns about your health, it’s best to speak with a doctor as soon as possible. With the right knowledge and resources, you can take proactive steps towards maintaining your health for years to come!