15 Red Flag Symptoms That Mean You Could Have Cancer

Most people who were diagnosed with cancer have experienced certain warning symptoms. Not everyone pays attention to these warning signs which can save your life if you get diagnosed when the cancer is in the early stage. Prevention is always better than cure so make sure you keep an eye on these symptoms.

Persistent cough

If you are coughing constantly and it affects your everyday life it can indicate lung cancer. Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience this symptom.

Frequent infections

This is a common sign of leukemia- a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow. The bone marrow of people with leukemia starts to produce strains of white blood cells that disrupt the body’s ability to fight diseases and infections on its own.

Trouble swallowing

It is often linked to throat cancer and sometimes early lung cancer. If this symptom lasts for more than a couple of days, consult your doctor.

Fatigue

The immune system of people with cancer is working hard to deal with the disease which can lead to constant fatigue that does not go away no matter how much you sleep.

Food disorders

Sudden loss of appetite and aversions to the foods you used to love in the past can indicate cancer.

No appetite

If you don’t feel like eating even if you have been starving for a few days could mean you have ovarian cancer.

Shortness of breath

Chain smokers usually experience this symptom which indicates lung cancer.

Bloody stool

A common symptom of colorectal cancer which should be taken very seriously. Consult your doctor immediately.

Lump in the breasts and groin area

Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that the lymphatic system is compromised. These lumps can also appear in the neck or armpits.

Excessive bleeding

This can be a sign of leukemia which can also affect the red blood cells and the ability of the blood to carry oxygen which can lead to the formation of clots.

Sudden and unexplained weight gain

If you experience this symptom but you have not made any changes in your diet, you could have ovarian cancer.

Weight loss

This is just as concerning as any other sign because it can occur as a result of stomach cancer.

Swollen breasts

Changes in the breasts such as the appearance of lumps, redness, irritation or changes in the nipples and nipple discharge can indicate breast cancer.

Disfigurement of the face

This is a common symptom in patients with lung cancer. The lung tumor blocks the blood vessels thus disrupting the blood flow which can result in redness and puffiness of the face.

Nail discoloration

There are certain changes on the nails which can indicate cancer. Skin cancer can cause the appearance of black of brown dots beneath the nails. Liver cancer causes pale and white nails and lung cancer can cause swelling of the fingers and nails.