The word cancer is frightening, and many people avoid doctors because they fear the answer. But waiting rarely helps. Many cancers, when found early, can be treated more effectively and with less intensive treatment. Learning the warning signs does not mean you will find cancer everywhere. It means you will know when a symptom deserves a proper check.

An important point to remember: most of the symptoms below are caused by common, non-cancerous conditions. The key is persistence. A symptom that lasts for weeks, keeps returning or keeps getting worse needs medical attention.

Common warning signs

1. Unexplained weight loss

Losing a noticeable amount of weight without trying, for example 4 to 5 kg or more over a few months, should be investigated. It can be linked to several health conditions, including some cancers.

2. A lump or swelling anywhere in the body

A new lump in the breast, neck, armpit, groin, testicle or elsewhere should be checked. Lumps that are hard, painless and slowly growing deserve particular attention.

3. A sore or ulcer that does not heal

A mouth ulcer, skin sore or wound that does not heal in 2 to 3 weeks needs examination. This is especially important for people who chew tobacco, paan or gutka, or who smoke or drink alcohol.

4. White or red patches in the mouth
White or red patches inside the mouth or on the tongue, difficulty opening the mouth, or persistent mouth pain can be early signs of oral problems, including pre-cancerous changes. Oral cancer is common in India and is strongly linked to tobacco.

5. Persistent cough, hoarseness or breathlessness

A cough lasting more than 3 weeks, a change in voice or hoarseness lasting more than 3 weeks, coughing up blood, or new breathlessness should be checked, particularly in smokers. These can also be caused by infections such as tuberculosis, so testing is important.

6. Difficulty swallowing

A feeling that food is getting stuck, pain while swallowing, or needing to avoid certain foods can be a sign of a problem in the food pipe or throat.
7. Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Blood in the stool, black stools, or a persistent change in bowel habits such as new constipation or diarrhoea
• Blood in the urine or difficulty passing urine
• Persistent feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
These are often caused by piles or infections, but blood in the stool or urine should never be assumed to be harmless without checking.

8. Abnormal bleeding or discharge

Bleeding between periods, after intercourse or after menopause, or persistent unusual vaginal discharge, needs a gynecological evaluation. Blood-stained nipple discharge also needs attention.

9. Persistent pain or fatigue

Pain that does not go away, such as bone pain, back pain, headache or abdominal pain, and extreme tiredness that does not improve with rest should be evaluated.

10. Persistent fever, night sweats or frequent infections

Recurring fever without a clear cause, drenching night sweats, or enlarged glands can occasionally be linked to blood and lymph-node conditions, and need proper evaluation.

11. Changes in a mole or the skin

A mole that changes in size, shape or colour, has uneven edges, bleeds, or itches should be shown to a doctor.
Screening: finding cancer before symptoms appear
Some cancers can be found early through regular screening. Please ask your doctor about:
• Breast: clinical breast examination and mammography
• Cervix: Pap smear or HPV testing for women
• Oral cavity: regular oral examination, especially for tobacco users
• Colon: screening colonoscopy or stool tests from around age 45 to 50, or earlier with a family history
• Lung: low-dose CT scans for certain heavy smokers, as advised by a doctor
Reduce your risk
• Do not use tobacco in any form, including chewing tobacco, gutka and paan with tobacco
• Limit alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight and stay active
• Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fibre, and less processed and red meat
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis B and HPV as advised
• Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure
When to see a doctor
If you have any of these symptoms for more than 2 to 3 weeks, or if a symptom is severe or getting worse, see your doctor without delay. If you have a family history of cancer, mention it, since you may need earlier or more frequent screening.
Consult a medical oncologist
Dr. Harshavardhan Annadanam, Medical Oncologist, evaluates patients with suspected or confirmed cancer and helps them understand their reports and options. Book a consultation if you have concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a lump always mean cancer?
No. Many lumps are benign. But any lump that is new, growing or persistent should be examined by a doctor.
Can cancer be present without symptoms?
Yes. Some cancers cause no symptoms in the early stages, which is why screening is important.
Is weight loss always a sign of cancer?
No. Many conditions cause weight loss, but unexplained weight loss should always be evaluated.
Should I worry if I have a symptom for a few days?
Short-lived symptoms are usually due to common causes. See a doctor if a symptom lasts more than 2 to 3 weeks or worsens.
Have a symptom that won’t go away? Don’t wait. Consult Dr. Harshavardhan Annadanam, Medical Oncologist.