1.
Changes in Your Skin
A new spot on your skin or one that changes size, shape, or color could
be a sign of skin cancer. Another is a spot that doesn't look the same as all
the others on your body. If you have any unusual marks, have your doctor check
your skin. She will do an exam and may remove a small piece (called a biopsy)
to take a closer look for cancer cells.
2.
Nagging Cough
If you don't smoke, there's very little chance a nagging cough is a
sign of cancer. Usually, it's caused by postnasal drip, asthma, acid reflux, or
an infection. But if yours doesn't go away or you cough up blood -- especially
if you are a smoker - see your doctor. She may test mucus from your lungs
or do a chest X-ray to check for lung cancer.
3.
Breast Changes
Most breast changes are not cancer. It's still important, though, to
tell your doctor about them and have her check them out. Let her know about any
lumps, nipple changes or discharge, redness or thickening, or pain in your
breasts. She'll do an exam and may suggest a mammogram, MRI, or maybe a biopsy.
4.
Bloating
You may have a full, bloated feeling because of your diet or even
stress. But if it doesn't get better or you also have fatigue, weight loss, or
back pain, have it checked out. Constant bloating in women may be a sign of
ovarian cancer. Your doctor can do a pelvic exam to look for the cause.
5.
Problems When You Pee
Many men have urinary issues as they get older, like the need to go
more often, leaks, or a weak stream. Usually, these are signs of an enlarged
prostate, but they could also mean prostate cancer. See your doctor for an exam
and maybe a special blood test called a PSA test.
6.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
You have these small, bean-shaped glands in your neck, armpits, and
other places in your body. When they're swollen, it often means you're fighting
an infection like a cold or strep throat. Some cancers like lymphoma and
leukemia can also cause this kind of swelling. Talk to your doctor to pinpoint
the cause.
7.
Blood When You Use the Bathroom
If you see blood in the toilet after you go, it's a good idea to talk
to your doctor. Bloody stool is likely to come from swollen, inflamed veins
called hemorrhoids, but there's a chance it could be colon cancer. Blood in
your pee could be a problem like a urinary tract infection, but it may be
kidney or bladder cancer.
8.
Testicle Changes
If you notice a lump or swelling in your testicles, you need to see
your doctor right away. A painless lump is the most common sign of testicular
cancer. Sometimes though, a man may just have a heavy feeling in his lower
belly or scrotum or think his testicles feel larger. Your doctor will do a
physical exam of the area and may use an ultrasound scan to see if there is a
tumor or another problem.
9.
Trouble Swallowing
The common cold, acid reflux, or even some medicine can make it hard to
swallow once in a while. If it doesn’t get better with time or with antacids,
see your doctor. Trouble swallowing can also be a sign of cancer in your throat
or the pipe between your mouth and stomach, called the esophagus. Your doctor
will do an exam and some tests like a barium X-ray, in which you swallow a
chalky fluid to show your throat more clearly on the image.
10. Unusual Vaginal Bleeding
Bleeding that's not part of your usual period can have many causes,
like fibroids or even some types of birth control. But tell your doctor if
you're bleeding between periods, after sex, or have bloody discharge. She'll
want to rule out cancer of the uterus, cervix, or vagina. Be sure to let her
know if you are bleeding after menopause. That's not normal and should be
checked out right away.
11. Mouth Issues
From bad breath to canker sores, most changes in your mouth aren't
serious. But if you have white or red patches or sores in your mouth that don't
heal after a couple of weeks -- especially if you smoke -- see your doctor. It
may be a sign of oral cancer. Other things to look for: a lump in your cheek,
trouble moving your jaw, or mouth pain.
12. Weight Loss
Of course you can slim down when you change the way you eat or
exercise. It can also happen if you have other issues, like stress or a thyroid
problem. But it’s not normal to lose 10 pounds or more without trying. There's
a chance it could be a first sign of cancer of the pancreas, stomach,
esophagus, lung, or other type of cancer.
13. Fever
A fever isn't usually a bad thing. Sometimes it's just a sign that your
body is fighting an infection. It can also be a side effect of some medicines.
But one that won't go away and doesn't have an obvious cause could be a sign of
a blood cancer like leukemia or lymphoma.
14. Heartburn or Indigestion
Almost everyone has this burning feeling sometimes, often because of
their diet or stress. If lifestyle changes don't work and your indigestion
doesn't stop, your doctor may want to do some tests to look for a cause. It
could be a sign of stomach cancer.
15. Fatigue
A lot of things can make you very tired, and most of them aren’t
serious. But fatigue is one early sign of some cancers, like leukemia. Some
colon and stomach cancers can cause blood loss that you can't see, which can
make you feel very tired. If you're wiped out all the time and rest doesn't
help, talk to your doctor.
Credit: webmd.com
Credit: webmd.com
