5 Overlooked Signs of Cancer: What You Shouldn’t Ignore

While brief or occasional symptoms are usually not cause for concern, it’s important to pay attention when warning signs persist or are accompanied by other changes. Research shows only one in every seven cancers are detected by a recommended screening test. That’s why it’s important to be alert to persistent symptoms and stay up to date on recommended screenings.

Here are five symptoms that are worth talking to your doctor about:

1. Unexplained weight loss

Losing weight without trying might sound like a bonus, but it can be a serious warning sign. If you’ve dropped pounds without changing your diet or exercise habits, it could indicate metabolic changes caused by cancer. This is especially true for cancers of the pancreas, stomach, or lungs.

2. Changes in skin or moles

Skin changes are easy to overlook or dismiss as cosmetic. But new growths, persistent itching, or changes in the shape, size, or color of a mole can be early signs of skin cancer, including melanoma. If you notice anything unusual, it’s worth getting checked by a dermatologist.

3. Digestive issues or difficulty swallowing

Indigestion, bloating, or trouble swallowing may seem like minor annoyances, but when they persist, they could point to cancers of the esophagus, stomach, or colon. These symptoms are often misattributed to diet or stress, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

4. Unusual bleeding or discharge

Bleeding that doesn’t fit your normal patterns, such as blood in your stool or urine, or vaginal bleeding after menopause, should never be ignored. These symptoms may be linked to cancers of the colon, bladder, uterus, or cervix. Even if you suspect a minor cause, it’s important to get evaluated.

5. Persistent fatigue

Feeling tired is part of life, but when fatigue becomes constant and doesn’t improve with rest, it could be more than just stress or poor sleep. Persistent fatigue can arise from many different health issues; however, when it’s associated with cancer, it’s often due to the body’s immune system reacting to the disease or from anemia that the cancer causes.

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t panic, but don’t ignore them either – talk to your doctor. For many cancers, early-stage diagnosis more than doubles the chance of survival compared to late-stage diagnosis. Early evaluation by a healthcare professional and following recommended screening guidelines can make all the difference.

Learn more about cancer care at Atrium Health Levine Cancer.