Common Cancer Symptoms to Look Out For
Updated: Feb 15, 2020
Nearly two million people in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each year. A substantial portion of these cancers could be prevented through regular health screenings and lifestyle changes. When you know what to look for, you can take steps to protect yourself and your health.
What are the most common cancer symptoms?
There are a wide variety of cancer symptoms. However, some people may not experience any symptoms, so it is essential to visit your doctor regularly. Here are symptoms of the most common types of cancer.
Breast cancer – Changes in the shape or texture of the nipple or breast, a lump in the breast or bloody discharge from the nipple
Prostate cancer – Difficulty urinating, however, in many cases there are no symptoms
Basal cell cancer – Waxy, white colored lumps or brown scaly patches on areas of the skin that are regularly exposed to the sun (e.g., face, neck and hands)
Melanoma – Changes in shape, size or elevation of an existing mole, or new growths occurring anywhere on the body
Colon cancer – Changes in bowel habits, stool consistency, blood in the stool or abdominal pain
Lung cancer – Chest pain, persistent cough, wheezing and unexplained weight loss (however symptoms of lung cancer do not occur until the cancer has advanced)
Leukemia – Fatigue, weight loss, frequent infections and easy bleeding or bruising (slow-growing leukemias do not have symptoms)
Lymphoma – Enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue and unexplained weight loss
How can I reduce my cancer risk?
Avoid tobacco products
Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise
Limit alcohol consumption
Protect yourself from harmful UV rays from the sun
Visit your doctor for regular health screenings
Cancer generally causes symptoms like fever, extreme tiredness and weight loss because cancer cells use up a lot of your body’s energy supply. It’s also known to change the way your body processes food to make energy. Early detection is your best chance for treating cancer before it spreads. Contact the START Center at 210-745-6841 for leading-edge cancer treatment and chemotherapy in San Antonio and Boerne, Texas. Our team is ready to provide you with the highest level of cancer care.