September brings more than just sweater weather and pumpkin spice. This month has a much more important focus. It’s the awareness month for several different types of cancers, including:
- Childhood cancer
- Leukemia and lymphoma
- Ovarian cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Gynecologic cancer
Sadly, cancer is something that affects us all. In 2024, well over two million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, and over 600,00 people will die from the disease. (But it isn’t all bad news: The number of cancer survivors in the States is projected to increase to 22.5 million by 2032.)
An awareness of potential cancer symptoms can lead to earlier detection and diagnosis, which in turn leads to better treatment outcomes. Since there are so many different types of cancer that affect various systems of the body, it can sometimes be hard to speak broadly about “symptoms of cancer” as some cancers may not have much overlap in their symptoms. There are certain general symptoms, however — particularly constitutional symptoms like weight loss, fever, or headache — that tend to be common across the board with multiple types of cancer.
In this article, we cover the top cancer symptoms that often show up as early warning signs, focusing on the types of cancers that are highlighted during September’s awareness month.
Common Cancer Symptoms to be Aware of
1. Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of childhood cancer or ovarian cancer.
People who have leukemia, lymphoma, or prostate cancer might be experiencing weight loss due to a loss of appetite.
2. Fatigue
Fatigue or loss of energy before a cancer diagnosis can feel different than just your “normal” tired. It’s persistent and lingering. It happens because the cancer that’s now affecting your body is sucking away the nutrients you need to get through your day.
Fatigue occurs with childhood cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and ovarian cancer.
3. Headaches, Fever, Vomiting
These three symptoms are often seen with childhood cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma. Headaches can be frequent and persistent. Fevers are generally only seen as early symptoms of cancer with blood cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma. Vomiting might be paired with other symptoms — such as the headaches, or such as other GI symptoms, like indigestion or abdominal pain.
4. Changes in Skin
Early on, cancer may cause noticeable changes in your skin. For example, with childhood cancers, it’s common to see paleness or easy bruising. With leukemia, keep an eye out for the following:
- Paleness
- Easy bruising
- Tiny, flat, red spots (caused by bleeding just under the surface of the skin)
- Chloroma (a collection of leukemia cells under the skin or in other parts of the body)
- Leukemia cutis (sores or patches of any size that are usually pink or tan in color)
- Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (appears as an allergic reaction on the skin, causing sores on the hands and feet)
Another example is vulvar cancer, a type of gynecologic cancer. This can cause changes in vulva color or skin, such as a rash, sores, or warts.
5. Unusual Bleeding or Discharge
Bleeding can present in a variety of ways depending on which type of cancer you have. Here are a few examples:
- Leukemia: Frequent or severe nosebleeds; bleeding gums; bleeding in the middle of a menstrual cycle or heavy menstrual flow
- Ovarian cancer: Abnormal vaginal discharge; bleeding after menopause
- Prostate cancer: Blood in the urine
- Gynecologic cancers: Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge (common for all gynecologic cancers, except vulvar cancer)
Any type of abnormal bleeding is something to make a note of and mention to your doctor.
6. Unexplained Pain
Similarly, unexplained pain anywhere in your body could potentially be a sign of cancer. This isn’t meant to scare you — we all feel aches and pains, and feeling a twinge does not automatically mean you have cancer. But it is helpful to realize that certain types of pain can signal certain types of cancer. Here are a few additional helpful details:
- Childhood cancer: An ongoing pain in one area of the body
- Leukemia: Frequent cold sores; sore throat; bone or joint pain; abdominal discomfort; soreness in the eyes
- Lymphoma: Pain in the abdomen; itching; bone pain
- Ovarian cancer: Discomfort or pain in the pelvic area, abdomen, or lower back
- Prostate cancer: Dull pain in the lower pelvic area; pain or burning with urination; painful ejaculation; pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs; bone pain
- Gynecologic cancers: For ovarian cancer, feeling full too quickly, bloating, and abdominal or back pain; for ovarian and uterine cancers, pelvic pain or pressure; for vulvar cancer, itching, burning, pain, or tenderness of the vulva
7. Unusual Lumps or Swelling
If you notice an unusual lump or swelling somewhere on your body, this is something to get checked out. Leukemia, for example, might cause enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, groin, or above the collarbone. Ovarian cancer can give you a swollen feeling in the stomach. Whatever the case, a new lump or growth on your body is likely not a good sign.
8. Urinary or Bowel Issues
Finally, an additional early symptom of cancer might be bowel or bladder issues. For instance, you may struggle with:
- Leukemia: Frequent infections in the urinary tract or around the anus
- Ovarian and vaginal cancer: New urinary frequency; new constipation or other changes in bowel movements
- Prostate cancer: Frequent urination; trouble urinating; pain or burning with urination; weak urine flow
These symptoms may be embarrassing to talk about, but it’s important to notify your doctor of any changes in your bathroom habits.
When to See a Doctor
Remember, many of the symptoms discussed in this article are very broad. They might be caused by cancer. Or they might be caused by any number of other medical conditions.
Regardless, however, don’t wait to seek medical attention. No matter what’s causing your symptoms, early diagnosis leads to more effective treatment and better health outcomes.
The National Cancer Institute recommends that you see a healthcare provider if your symptoms last longer than two weeks.
Let your doctor know about any new or worsening symptoms, especially if you have a family history of cancer. It’s always better to see your doctor sooner rather than later. Being smart and proactive about your health is the best way to take care of your body and stay as well as you can be.
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