Part 2 of 5: Warning Signs: 10 Subtle Cancer Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Spotting subtle signs early can be lifesaving. Below are 10 often-overlooked symptoms that merit attention—consult a healthcare provider if they persist for weeks or worsen.

1. Unexplained Weight Loss
   Losing more than 10 pounds without a change in diet or exercise may signal cancers like pancreatic, stomach, or lung UCSF Health+4Johns Hopkins Medicine+4NHCancerClinics+4MD Anderson Cancer Center.

2. Persistent Fatigue
   Extreme tiredness unrelieved by rest could indicate leukemia, lymphoma, colon, or breast cancer American Cancer Society+2Wikipedia+2NHCancerClinics+2.

3. Fever or Night Sweats
   Especially with fever that doesn’t subside—common in hematologic cancers like lymphoma or leukemia American Cancer Society+3Cancer Research UK+3The Times of India+3NHCancerClinics.

4. Unusual Bruising or Bleeding
   Bruises without trauma or blood in stool, urine, or cough might signal leukemia, bladder, or colorectal cancer The Times of India+15Cancer Research UK+15The Times of India+15.

5. New, Unexplained Lumps or Swellings
   Persistent lumps in the breast, testicles, lymph nodes, or elsewhere should be evaluated The Times of India+15City of Hope Cancer Treatment Centers+15nhs.uk+15.

6. Changes in Bathroom Habits
   Persistent constipation, diarrhea, or blood in stool/urine could be signs of colon, bladder, or prostate cancer New York Post+5UCSF Health+5NHCancerClinics+5.

7. Difficulty Swallowing or Persistent Hoarseness
   May point to throat, thyroid, or lung cancer when lasting over two weeks The Times of India+15City of Hope Cancer Treatment Centers+15American Cancer Society+15.

8. Persistent Cough or Chest Pain
   A cough that lingers, worse with time or accompanied by chest pain or blood may suggest lung cancer The Times of India+3American Cancer Society+3Wikipedia+3.

9. Skin Changes or Non-Healing Sores
   New moles, color changes, non-healing wounds, scaliness, or itching could indicate skin cancers like melanoma or basal/squamous carcinoma Cancer Research UK+2Johns Hopkins Medicine+2American Cancer Society+2The Times of India.

10. Unexplained Abdominal or Pelvic Pain/Bloating
    Persistent bloating, fullness, pelvic pain, or indigestion may signal ovarian, stomach, or other GI cancers .

✅ Summary Table

🧭 What to Do Next

• Track any persistent changes (>2–4 weeks).

• Seek medical advice for evaluation and potential screening.

• Note symptom combinations—e.g., weight loss plus fatigue can heighten concern.

📝 References

American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Signs and Symptoms of Cancer. Retrieved from American Cancer Society website NHCancerClinics+1Cancer Research UK+1Cancer Research UKUCSF Health+1MD Anderson Cancer Center+1Cancer Research UK+2nhs.uk+2Johns Hopkins Medicine+2

Hopkins Medicine. (2023). Early Cancer Warning Signs: 5 Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore. Retrieved from Johns Hopkins Medicine website The Times of India+5Johns Hopkins Medicine+5UCSF Health+5

Mayo Clinic. (2024). Cancer: Symptoms & Causes. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic website Johns Hopkins Medicine+12American Cancer Society+12The Sun+12

Verywell Health. (n.d.). 20 Most Ignored Cancer Symptoms. Retrieved from Verywell Health website The Times of India+3NHCancerClinics+3The Times of India+3

UCSF Health. (n.d.). 17 Cancer Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore. Retrieved from UCSF Health website MD Anderson Cancer Center+3UCSF Health+3Wikipedia+3

NHS. (2025). Signs and symptoms of cancer. Retrieved from NHS website American Cancer Society+3nhs.uk+3Wikipedia+3

Times of India. (2025). 5 Early Signs of Skin Cancer. Retrieved from Times of India Life & Style The Times of India+3The Times of India+3The Times of India+3

Women’s Health MD Anderson. (2025, June 9). 10 Cancer Symptoms Women Shouldn’t Ignore. Retrieved from MD Anderson Cancer Center website MD Anderson Cancer Center