Unexplained weight loss
We all want to loose weight but if you lost 10 pounds or more in less than a month (without changing your diet or exercise routine), you should see your doctor. Unexplained weight loss can be an early sign of pancreatic, stomach, esophageal or lung cancer.
Changes to your breasts
A lump in the breast is the most thing that many women care to check but there are other changes to your breasts that could also signal cancer. If you notice redness or thickening of skin around the breast, cellulite-like dimples or a red or purplish discoloration in the skin, your breasts feel hot, swollen or irritated, if you notice an unusual nipple discharge, changes to you nipple (like suddenly appearing flattened, inverted or turned sideways), report these changes to a doctor.
Bleeding between periods
Every woman's period is different, and for some women, spotting is common. But if you're typically regular and start bleeding between periods, or if you bleed after reaching menopause, let your doctor know about this.
Bloating
It's normal to feel bloated once in awhile, especially after a big meal or during your period but if that bloated feeling persists for more than a couple of weeks or continues to get worse, talk to your doctor.
Skin changes
Tell your doctor if you notice any waxy lumps, scaly skin patches, or spot a sore or rash that doesn't heal. Also note if you have any excessive bruising — especially on the fingers and hands — or if you notice any skin bleeding that seems unusually hard to stop (both are an early sign of leukemia).
Constant fatigue
We do so much to keep our families in check and it’s completely normal for most women to feel tired and run down from time to time but if your fatigue doesn't let up after getting rest, head to your doctor.
Difficult swallowing
Having problems swallowing could be an early symptom of esophageal, throat, lung or thyroid cancer. If you have pressure in your throat or feel like something is stuck in your windpipe, see your doctor.
A chronic cough
Coughs are most often caused by allergies or infections. And while they may linger as you recover from the flu or a cold, having a cough that doesn't go away or that is accompanied by chest pain is a symptom of many types of cancer, including lung cancer.
Feeling unusually full
Constantly feeling full despite having eaten little, or experiencing a prolonged loss of appetite could be a tip-off to ovarian cancer (as well as other, less serious health problems like GERD or IBS).
Swollen lumpy nodes
Changes in your lymphatic system are most often due to an infection but in some cases shouldn't be taken lightly. Swollen firm lymph nodes in the armpit, groin, or neck could be a sign of danger. If the swelling continues for more than a month, or the swollen glands seem to be getting bigger, see your doctor.
Shortness of breath
If you frequently have difficulty breathing, especially when you’re not doing anything strenuous, it could signal a more serious health problem, including lung or thyroid cancer.
Frequently fevers
Often times, a fever is a welcome sign — it signals that your body is fighting off an infection. But if you have a persistent fever that isn’t explained by an infection, it may signal a blood cancer like leukemia or lymphoma.
Changes to nails
Instances where unexplained nail changes can point to more serious problems. Dark streaks or spots under your nails could indicate skin cancer, while having pale nails could mean liver cancer.
Blood in your urine or stool
There are many causes of blood in urine or stool however, it’s also a sign of bowel or kidney cancer. It’s important to let your doctor know, so that he or she can pinpoint the cause.
Persistence Pain
Persistent pain that doesn't go away isn’t something you should write off as a side effect of aging or over-exercising. Back pain, pelvic or abdominal pain and even what seems like a run-of-the mill stomachache or indigestion can signal many different types of cancer.
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