Cancer is a complex disease that can manifest in many ways. Being alert to changes in your body can help with early detection and increase your chances of successful treatment. Here are 20 warning signs that may indicate cancer:

Unexplained weight loss

Sudden, significant weight loss without changes in diet or exercise can be an early sign of cancer, especially pancreatic, stomach, esophageal, or lung cancer.

Persistent fatigue

Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest can indicate cancers such as leukemia or cancers that cause blood loss, such as colon cancer.

Fever

A persistent or recurring fever can be a sign of cancer, especially leukemia or lymphoma.

Pain

Persistent pain, such as back pain or headaches, can be an early sign of cancer, such as bone cancer or a brain tumor.

Skin changes

New skin changes, such as moles that change in size, color, or shape, can indicate malignant melanoma.

Changes in bowel or bladder habits

Persistent changes, such as diarrhea or constipation, and blood in the stool or urine, may be signs of colon, rectal or bladder cancer.

Sores that don’t heal

Sores that don’t heal, especially in the mouth, may be a sign of oral cancer.

Unusual bleeding or discharge

Unexplained bleeding, such as coughing up blood, blood in the urine, or unusual vaginal bleeding, may be a sign of lung, kidney, or cervical cancer.

Lump or thickening

Lumps in the breast, testicles, or other parts of the body may indicate cancer, such as breast cancer or testicular cancer.

Difficulty swallowing

Difficulty swallowing may be a sign of esophageal or throat cancer.

Persistent cough or hoarseness

A cough that doesn’t go away or hoarseness may indicate lung cancer or throat cancer.

Changes in your voice

A noticeable change in your voice, especially hoarseness, may be a sign of throat cancer.

Indigestion or difficulty eating

Persistent indigestion, nausea, or feeling full after eating a small meal may be a sign of stomach or esophageal cancer.

Swelling or lump in the neck

Swollen lymph nodes or lumps in the neck may be a sign of head and neck cancer or lymphoma.

Shortness of breath

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath may indicate lung cancer.

Chronic heartburn

Recurring heartburn or acid reflux can lead to esophageal cancer if left untreated.

Unexplained night sweats

Night sweats that are not related to menopause or infection can be a symptom of lymphoma.

Breast changes

Any change in the size, shape, or texture of your breast or nipple discharge other than breast milk can be a sign of breast cancer.

Itching or skin irritation

Persistent itching or skin irritation for no apparent reason can sometimes be linked to cancers such as lymphoma or liver cancer.

Neurological symptoms

Symptoms such as seizures, vision changes, or headaches can be associated with brain tumors.

While these symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than cancer, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if you consistently experience any of these warning signs. Early detection can greatly improve treatment outcomes.