What are the symptoms of cancer? Can someone have cancer without knowing it?

GYAN VATIKA

Jul 29

What are the symptoms of cancer? Can someone have cancer without knowing it?

Cancer symptoms can vary widely depending on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. Some common symptoms include:

1. Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden, unintentional weight loss can be a sign of various cancers, especially cancers of the pancreas, stomach, oesophagus, or lung.
2. Fever: A persistent fever can be a symptom of cancer, particularly blood cancers such as leukaemia or lymphoma.
3. Fatigue: Extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest can be a sign of cancer, such as leukaemia, colon cancer, or stomach cancer.
4. Pain: Persistent pain in certain areas can be indicative of cancer. For example, a headache that does not go away could be a sign of a brain tumour, while back pain might indicate ovarian cancer.
5. Skin Changes: Changes in the skin such as yellowing, darkening, or redness can be symptoms of cancer. Sores that do not heal, or changes in existing moles, can also be signs of skin cancer.
6. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits: Persistent constipation, diarrhoea, or changes in stool size can indicate colon cancer. Urinary symptoms, such as blood in the urine or frequent urination, can be signs of bladder or prostate cancer.
7. Unusual Bleeding or Discharge: Unexplained bleeding can be a symptom of cancer. For example, coughing up blood can indicate lung cancer, while blood in the stool can be a sign of colon or rectal cancer.
8. Lumps or Thickening: The presence of a new lump or thickening in the breast, testicle, or other parts of the body can be a warning sign of cancer.
9. Difficulty Swallowing: Persistent difficulty swallowing can be a symptom of oesophagal or throat cancer.
10. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness: A chronic cough or hoarseness can be a sign of lung cancer or throat cancer.

Yes, it is possible to have cancer without knowing it, especially in the early stages. Many cancers do not cause noticeable symptoms until they have grown or spread. Routine screenings and check-ups are essential, as they can detect cancers before symptoms appear. For example, mammograms can detect breast cancer early, and colonoscopies can find polyps that might turn into colon cancer.