1. Unexplained tiredness
Constant fatigue that doesn't improve with rest could indicate something more than stress. Cancer cells drain energy, weaken the immune system, and interfere with nutrient absorption, leaving you short of breath.
2. Sudden and unexplained weight loss
If you lose more than 5-10% of your body weight in a short period without dieting or exercising, it could be a warning sign. Many cancers, especially those of the stomach, pancreas, and lungs, cause rapid weight loss.
3. Persistent pain
Chronic pain that persists without an obvious cause should be taken seriously. For example:
Back pain may be a sign of bone or ovarian cancer.
Headaches that do not respond to treatment may be related to brain tumors.
see the continuation on the next page7. Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Sudden constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or changes in urination frequency may be signs of colon, bladder, or prostate cancer.
8. Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty swallowing food, a feeling of having something stuck in your throat, or frequent choking could be related to tumors of the esophagus or throat.
9. Frequent infections or slow healing
If the immune system is compromised by cancer cells, wounds take longer to heal and infections occur more frequently. Leukemia and blood cancers often present this symptom.
10. Bleeding or abnormal discharge
Unexpected bleeding, such as coughing up blood, blood in the urine, or unusual vaginal bleeding, should never be ignored. This is a common early sign of cancers of the reproductive organs, bladder, or digestive tract.
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