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Dr. Vrundali Kannoth•6 minutes•28 Aug 2025
Not every warning sign feels like an emergency, a weird ache here, a bit of unexplained weight loss there, easy to brush off. But sometimes, these small changes are your body’s way of waving a red flag. Whether you're curious about the early symptoms of cancer or wondering how it shows up differently, in women, in men, it all starts with understanding cancer and the main cancer symptoms. From common symptoms of cancer to treatment and prevention, this guide walks you through the early clues you shouldn’t ignore.
Cancer can look different for everyone, but some signs are more widely known than others. Things like sores that don’t heal, difficulty swallowing or indigestion, persistent fatigue or weakness, and unexplained weight loss often come to mind first. But beyond these well-known signs, there are other symptoms worth paying attention to:
Noticing a new mole, patch of discolouration, or unexplained itch that won’t go away? Skin changes like these may seem harmless. However, when they show up suddenly or begin to evolve, they can sometimes point to underlying symptoms your body wants you to notice.
If you’re noticing blood in your stool or urine, it’s your body’s way of saying something might be wrong. These can be early cancer symptoms in areas like the cervix, colon, or urinary tract.
That cough you’ve had for weeks? Or the breathlessness that creeps in even when you're doing nothing? If it’s hanging around longer than a seasonal cold and feels different somehow, it could be a sign of something deeper, like lung cancer symptoms or issues in your airways that need checking.
When a new lump appears or an area under your skin starts to feel firmer or thicker than usual, it’s not something to overlook. Even without pain, changes in places like the breast, neck, or underarm can be a symptom of cancer in the body.
Some early symptoms of cancer in women can feel like nothing more than routine changes. You might blame your bloating on your cycle, brush off frequent urination, or chalk up bowel changes to diet.
But cancer affects 1 in 3 women globally in their lifetime, and many cases are caught too late because the signs are overlooked.
Therefore, it is very important to catch these symptoms and how they show up in your body in time.
Here's how to identify cancer symptoms that may need a second look:
Cancer doesn’t always come with loud symptoms, and in men, many early signs are easy to dismiss as ageing, stress, or everyday strain. But the risk is real. In fact, 1 in 2 men is likely to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Here are the symptoms in men to look out for:
Symptoms of cancer often change as the disease progresses, starting subtly and becoming more noticeable over time. In the early stages, symptoms may be mild, like fatigue, appetite loss, or a small lump, which are easy to overlook. As the cancer advances, symptoms tend to affect more parts of the body and become harder to ignore. Recognising how cancer stages and symptoms evolve can help you understand what’s normal and what’s not. Here’s how symptoms can show up across different cancer stages:
It’s easy to downplay symptoms when life gets busy, but when your body keeps nudging you that something’s not right, it’s important to listen. Knowing how to identify cancer symptoms early gives you a better shot at effective treatment. If something doesn’t feel right and isn’t going away, don’t wait it out.
Here are some of the most important signs and symptoms of cancer that should prompt a visit to your oncologist:
If your oncologist suspects cancer, they’ll decide what tests you need, like blood panels, scans (CT, MRI, PET), or biopsies, based on your symptoms of cancer in the body. Spotting patterns early supports faster cancer symptom and treatment planning.
While you can temporarily manage some symptoms, like taking painkillers or antacids, cancer symptoms shouldn’t be treated without a proper diagnosis. Masking the pain without understanding the cause can delay detection during early cancer stages, when treatment is often most effective.
Once diagnosed, your care team will look at both the cancer symptoms and treatment together. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.
To lower your risk and catch warning signs early, here are a few steps that can make a real difference:
Every body is different, but when something doesn’t feel right, your body is asking for attention. Identifying the common symptoms of cancer can make all the difference in how quickly and effectively it’s treated. Whether it's a subtle change or a symptom that’s stuck around too long, it’s always worth checking.
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms, don’t wait. Reach out to a trusted cancer center or specialist. The right support, at the right time, can truly save lives.
They often begin subtly, like unexplained fatigue, weight loss, or changes in skin or digestion. These may be easy to miss but are often the body’s first signal that something’s off.
Yes, some can seem to appear suddenly, especially in aggressive or advanced stages. However, many symptoms develop gradually and worsen over time, which is why early detection is key.
Symptoms of cancer in young adults can look similar to those in older adults, such as lumps, bleeding, or pain, but they’re often overlooked due to age. Understanding how to identify cancer symptoms at any age is important for timely care.
Frequent or unexplained fever can be one of the symptoms of cancer in the body, particularly in blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma. It’s important to monitor it alongside other symptoms.
Yes, many people experience little to no obvious signs. That’s why regular screenings and awareness of your body are crucial, even when you feel fine.
Symptoms vary but often include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, pain, skin changes, or lumps. They can differ based on cancer stages and their location.