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Health authorities stress that early detection is one of the best ways to fight cancer.

That’s why it is important to learn the possible symptoms of cancer and not ignore them.

Symptoms of cancer

A symptom is something that a person experiences, feels, or notices, such as pain, weakness, or problems with moving or breathing.

On the other hand, a sign is something that another person, usually a health care professional, may notice in someone else, such as abnormal lung sounds.

Our body continuously renews its cells to replace old or dead cells. In some cases, this process can be altered and produce “immortal” cells that build up in the tissues, resulting in tumors.

Tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant. In a malignant tumor, harmful cells can spread throughout the body and invade other tissues, a phenomenon known as metastasis. Therefore, cancer is not just one disease, but many.

Depending on its location, cancer may not cause symptoms. If the cancer is found in a critical area, like the brain, even the smallest tumor can cause signs or symptoms, as it puts pressure on the nerves and blood vessels.

But sometimes the cancer occurs in places where it does not cause any signs or symptoms until it has grown very large, such as in the pancreas.

Some of the symptoms that cancer can cause are:

Tiredness or fatigue

Regularly feeling tired or fatigued is normal and is usually associated with demanding schedules, poor diet, and sleep problems.

However, when it is extreme and constant, it may be a symptom of cancer, specifically leukemia or lymphoma. Other warning symptoms may be insomnia and chronic depression.

Chronic cough or hoarseness

Cough is a manifestation of irritation in the throat and may occur in colder weather, especially in fall and winter, whereas hoarseness may be caused by sleeping in the wrong position or eating too much.

If cough and hoarseness become chronic, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, as these are known symptoms of cancer. Cough may indicate lung cancer, and hoarseness may be a sign of laryngeal or thyroid cancer.

Involuntary weight loss

It is normal for weight to fluctuate. But there may be a problem when weight is lost unexpectedly; that is, without following a weight-loss diet or undergoing weight-loss treatment. If you lose 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or more without meaning to, you should consult your doctor.

Involuntary weight loss may indicate esophageal, stomach, pancreas, or lung cancer.

Bladder problems

Poor diet and excessive drug and alcohol use may cause changes in bladder function: urinating more often or in greater volumes, changes in urine consistency and color, and even pain.

They can also cause changes in stool size, constipation, or diarrhea. These are common ailments, but if they become chronic and persist for weeks, they may be symptoms of colon, bladder, or prostate cancer. Consult a professional to identify the reason for these problems.

Abnormal lumps

Any new or abnormal bump or mass that does not go away should always be evaluated as soon as possible.

They are a very common sign of cancer, but they may also be an effect of another common illness, such as swollen lymph nodes during a cold.

Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Difficulty breathing properly, especially when we do physical activity, is often a reminder that we need to exercise more. But it is not normal for you to get short of breath when you do normal activities.

Another warning signal is dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. If you have never had difficulty eating and start feeling like food is stuck in your throat, or you have difficulty swallowing for more than two weeks, you should consult a professional.

Both ailments may be signs of throat, lung, or stomach cancer.

Skin changes

Changes in the skin do not necessarily indicate skin cancer or another type of cancer. Health professionals recommend paying special attention to:

• Asymmetry: Half of the spot or mole does not look like the other.
• Borders: That are irregular or blurry.
• Colors: That vary or are inconsistent (black and brown).
• Excessive hair growth.
• Erythema: Redness of the skin.
• Evolving: Any mole that grows, bleeds, or changes over time.
• Hyperpigmentation: Darkening of the skin.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
  
• Pruritus: Itching.

Problems with healing

Moles that grow, hurt, or bleed may be symptoms of skin cancer. But it is also important to pay attention to sores that do not heal in the mouth (oral cancer), penis, or vagina, and to small wounds that do not heal (it is abnormal if it takes longer than four weeks).

Bleeding

Bleeding can be caused by many conditions, including cancer. But no matter what the condition, you should consult your doctor if you have:

• Blood in stool.
• Blood in urine.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Bloody nipple discharge.
• Coughing up blood.

Depending on the area of bleeding, it may be colon, lung, rectal, kidney, breast, uterine, or bladder cancer.

Changes in the tongue and mouth

Just as with the skin, the tongue and inside of the mouth can undergo changes, such as the appearance of white patches. This may be leukoplakia, a precancerous area that is caused by frequent irritation. If left untreated, it can turn into mouth cancer.

Any changes in your mouth that last a long time should be examined by a dentist immediately.

What should you do?

All these signs and symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer. But they are important to watch out for, and you should consult a doctor to alleviate any doubts.

If you notice any changes in how your body looks or responds, you should tell your doctor as soon as possible. Remember, treatment is most effective when cancer is in its early stages.

Sources: National Library of Medicine; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Mayo Clinic; Johns Hopkins Medicine; American Cancer Society.