5 subtle symptoms that might be indicative of cancer

Cancer is a non-communicable disease which means that it cannot spread through contact. Cancer, however, causes mortality around the world no less than an epidemic.

According to a WHO report, cancer is the second most fatal non-communicable disease. It is topped by only cardiovascular diseases and kills around 9.0 million people every year.

With millions of people dying each year from cancer, it is important to be mindful of the early signs. In this article, we will be explaining five signs that can be predictors of cancer. The point of this information is not self-diagnosis but awareness so that you can see a cancer specialist and get treatment in time.

Here are five subtle symptoms that might be indicative of cancer.

1. Weight-loss

People who are developing cancer are bound to lose weight at some point. Small fluctuations in the weight are common and people experience them frequently. A weight loss of ten pounds or more in a small frame of time is however concerning. If there is no other apparent reason for heavy weight loss, it is time to get some medical tests.

2. Fatigue

Fatigue is another classic symptom of cancer. Fatigue does not entail just being tired. People who are just tired feel better after resting. Fatigue, on the other hand, is a perpetual state of tiredness. It does not go away with rest. In some cases, people might not feel like getting out of bed the whole day just because they feel tired. If fatigue is accompanied by weight-loss, it could be a sign of evolving cancer. It is thus advisable to see a doctor in such a situation.

3. Pain

Unexplainable pain is another symptom of cancer. Bone cancer especially is a painful disease and it starts with pain too. Extreme pain in joints and problem moving around can be indicative of an arising bone cancer. Breast cancer can also start with painful lumps. Actually many tumours can be painful and before completely revealing themselves might signal severe pain.

4. Swellings

Swellings are perhaps the most direct symptom of cancer in this list. Swellings or lumps should never be taken casually because they are an indication of accumulation of cells. A biopsy can tell if a swelling or lump is cancerous or not. So, it is advisable to get the biopsy anyway so that you can either be at peace if the lump is non-cancerous or the treatment can start in time if it is cancerous.

5. Digestive Problems

Indigestion is another symptom that can be indicative of cancer. General indigestion can be because of over-eating but if you find yourself with the stomach flu every now and then, there is something else going on in the background.

Disrupted bowel movements with blood in the stool is a source of concern and you should immediately seek medical help if that happens. Some other problems associated with cancer include blood in urine samples along with a change in bladder functionality.

All of the symptoms given in this article are not exclusive to cancer and can thus indicate a number of other diseases. It is actually the accumulation of all these symptoms and intensity that is concerning. Even when a diagnosis is not imminent but consulting a cancer specialist becomes absolutely necessary.

My name is Usman and I am working with oladoc.com— Pakistan’s premier digital health company. Using oladoc, you can find a top Cancer specialist in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, and seek appointment online.