Likewise, pain or burning during urination, increased frequency, or blood in the urine may be linked to bladder or prostate cancer.
If your bowel or bladder habits suddenly change and the issue lasts for more than a few weeks, it’s important to get checked.
4. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness
A cough that lasts for weeks, or a hoarse voice that doesn’t improve, can be easy to mistake for a cold or allergy. But if it persists, it could be a sign of something more serious.
Cancers of the lung, throat, or thyroid often show up first through persistent coughing, hoarseness, or difficulty breathing.
When a cough refuses to go away or becomes painful, see a healthcare provider for an examination.
5. Abnormal Bleeding
Any form of unexplained bleeding should never be ignored. This includes bleeding from the nose, gums, or reproductive system, as well as blood in your stool, urine, or spit.
These symptoms can signal internal bleeding caused by cancers in the digestive tract, bladder, uterus, or lungs.
Even minor bleeding that seems random or recurring is worth investigating early.
6. Sores That Don’t Heal
Our skin and tissues naturally repair themselves after an injury. If you have a sore—on your mouth, skin, or private area—that refuses to heal, it could be a red flag.
Chronic sores might indicate cancers such as oral, skin, or cervical cancer.
When wounds don’t close or continue to reappear, it’s your body’s way of warning that something isn’t healing as it should.
7. Unusual Lumps or Swelling
Finding a lump under your skin can be frightening, but it’s also one of the most important signs to notice early.
Lumps in the breast, armpit, neck, or groin could be caused by swollen lymph nodes or tumor growth.
While not every lump means cancer, it’s best to get it checked by a healthcare professional—especially if it’s firm, painless, or growing.
8. Changes in the Skin
Your skin can reveal a lot about your internal health. A new mole or a change in the shape, color, or size of an existing one could indicate melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.
