Sometimes, cancer shows up in ways that are easy to notice: a lump in your breast or a strange mole on your skin. Other times, the signs are more subtle.
These health signs can be easy to miss or blame on stress, getting older or just daily life. But paying attention to your body and acting early can make a big difference.
We spoke with Arsena Smith, FNP, a nurse practitioner with Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center at Banner Gateway Medical Center, to learn about the hidden signs of cancer and when to see a health care specialist.
1. Fatigue that won’t go away
Feeling tired sometimes is normal. Stress, lack of sleep or health problems can make anyone feel very tired. But if tiredness gets worse over weeks or months and there's no clear reason, it could be a warning sign.
“The fatigue most often experienced with a new cancer diagnosis limits your ability to do normal activities and is unrelieved with rest,” Smith said.
If daily tasks make you exhausted even after resting, talk to your primary care provider. Fatigue alone doesn’t mean you have cancer, but you should get checked.
2. Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without trying can be a sign of cancer. Smith says you should see your provider if you lose 10 pounds or more, or about 5% of your weight, in six to 12 months.
“Rapid weight loss of 20 to 30 pounds in a few months is even more concerning,” Smith said. “See your provider if rapid weight loss comes with feeling full quickly, stomach pain after eating, nausea, vomiting or bowel changes.”
3. New or chronic abdominal symptoms
Stomach pain or bloating can be signs of cancer in the digestive system. If you see blood in your stool that doesn’t go away, don’t just think it’s from hemorrhoids.
Other warning signs include changes in bowel habits or pain after eating. See a health care specialist or gastroenterologist if these signs continue.
4. Night sweats
Sweating at night can be normal. But if you start sweating a lot more and it soaks your clothes or sheets, that can be a problem. It might be a sign of blood cancers or other serious health issues.
5. New persistent pain
It is not uncommon to have aches and pains from arthritis or as you get older. But if you suddenly have new pain, especially in your back, hips or bones, you should schedule a checkup.
“Pain related to malignancy is often persistent and does not improve with rest, ice, heat, medication or physical therapy,” Smith said.
6. Urinary or bowel changes
Changes in how often or easily you go to the bathroom can sometimes be a sign of cancer in the colon, bladder or prostate.
Call your provider if you notice:
- Difficulty peeing or passing stool
- Sudden constipation or diarrhea
- Blood in urine or stool
- A feeling that your bladder or bowels aren’t emptying completely
If you have these changes along with back pain, weakness in one leg or numbness in the buttocks, perineum (the area between the scrotum or vulva and anus) or inner thighs, get medical help right away.
“In rare cases, a tumor pressing on the spinal cord can cause cauda equina syndrome, a rare but severe emergency requiring immediate surgery,” Smith said.
7. Skin changes
Skin changes aren’t just about new moles. Watch for changes in existing moles, yellow skin (jaundice) or dark or red patches that don’t disappear. Skin cancer might appear as a sore that won’t heal, a new growth or a spot that bleeds.
8. Persistent cough or hoarseness
A cough that doesn’t go away or a hoarse voice that lasts for weeks can be a sign of a problem. Lung cancer, throat cancer and thyroid cancer can cause these symptoms.
If you smoke or are around smoke often, or if you have other health risks, take persistent coughs seriously. Don’t just use cough syrup.
If your symptoms continue or get worse, make an appointment or see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for imaging or endoscopy.
9. Trouble swallowing
Difficulty swallowing or feeling like food is stuck in your throat is called dysphagia. It may be a sign of cancer, but not always. Even small changes should be checked, especially if they last more than a few weeks.
“Intermittently having difficulty swallowing a large pill is far less concerning than progressively being unable to eat solid foods without choking and coughing,” Smith said.
10. Unusual bleeding or bruising
Unexpected bleeding can happen in different ways, like coughing up blood, blood in urine or heavy or irregular periods. Bruises that show up without injury can also be a sign. Any unexplained bleeding or bruising should be checked by a health care specialist.
11. Lumps or thickening
A lump in your breast, testicle, neck or underarm can be an early warning sign. But sometimes thickening tissues, not a distinct lump, is a clue. This might occur in the breast, soft tissues or lymph nodes.
“The more concerning masses are often painless, firm, fixed and do not change size,” Smith said. “Lumps or masses that are painful or present with a head or chest infection are more likely reactive and may get better with the underlying virus or bacterial infection.”
If your symptoms last more than four weeks, see your provider.
What to do if you notice these symptoms
If you notice a new symptom or combination of symptoms, start with your primary care provider. Your provider can order labs, imaging and appropriate referrals. They can also ensure all age-appropriate cancer screenings are up to date.
Bottom line
Early detection saves lives. Any persistent, progressive or unexplained symptoms, from fatigue and weight loss to new lumps or pain, should be evaluated by a medical professional. Don’t ignore subtle signs.
Schedule an appointment today with a Banner Health specialist.
