20 Early Signs Your Body is Fighting Cancer

1. Wheezing/shortness of breath

Lung caner patients remember noticing this as one of their first symptoms but didn’t initially connect it to cancer.

2. Frequent fevers or infections

Frequently a sign of leukemia, a  cancer of the blood cells that starts in bone marrow. It causes the marrow to produce abnormal white blood cells that hinder your body’s infection-fighting abilities.

3. Difficulty swallowing

Most commonly associated with throat cancer, but could also be a good indicator of lung cancer.4. Weakness and fatigue

Such a common symptom of cancer that it should be looked at in combination with other symptoms to determine which it is.

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5. Feeling full and unable to eat

This is a sign of ovarian cancer. A loss of appetite even when you haven’t eaten for a while is a tip-off.

6. Anorexia

This could be an early sign of pancreatic  cancer. A sudden disgust for  coffee, wine or smoking can be linked to this as well.

Visible Bodily Changes

Cancer can cause visible changes in the body, which can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. These changes may include alterations in skin appearance, unexplained weight loss or gain, or swelling in certain areas. Being aware of these visible bodily changes can help individuals recognize potential warning signs of cancer and seek medical attention promptly. Early detection is key to successful treatment, making it crucial to understand and monitor any noticeable changes in the body.

7. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool

A common sign of colorectal cancer. Blood in the toilet should be a big enough sign to see a doctor immediately. 

8. Lumps in the neck, underarm or groin area

Swollen lymph nodes indicate changes in the lymphatic system which can lead to cancer.

9. Excessive bruising or bleeding that doesn’t stop

Suggests abnormalities with the platelets and red blood cells, which can be a sign of leukemia. Leukemia cells crowd out red blood cells impairing your blood’s ability to carry oxygen leading to clots.

10. Bloating or abdominal weight gain

Ovarian  cancer patients reported unexplained bloating that came on suddenly and continued for a significant amount of time.

11. Unexplained weight loss

An early sign of colon and other digestive cancers. Also, a sign of cancer that has spread to the liver, affecting your appetite and the body’s ability to get rid of waste.

16. Unusually heavy or painful periods, bleeding between periods

A common sign of endometrial or uterine  cancer. A transvaginal ultrasound should be considered if the problem persists.

17. A chronic cough or chest pain

Leukemia and lung tumors (among others), show symptoms that can mimic a bad cough or bronchitis. Some patients also reported chest  pain that extended to the shoulder and down their arms.

18. Pelvic/Abdominal pain

Pain and cramping in the pelvis can be linked with the bloating signs of ovarian cancer. Leukemia also does this because it enlarges the spleen.

19. Pain in the back or lower right side

Often an early sign of liver cancer. Breast cancer can also be found through this as a breast tumor can press back into the chest or spread to the spine/ribs.

20. Upset stomach