Common Symptoms of Cancer to Recognize
Learn to recognize the common symptoms of cancer, including unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, changes in skin, and unusual lumps. Early detection is key, so know the signs and when to consult a doctor for timely diagnosis.
Written by Dr. J T Hema Pratima
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 6th Aug, 2025
Cancer is a serious health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The good news is that early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Recognizing the early warning signs of cancer can help you seek medical advice promptly, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
In this article, we’ll discuss some common symptoms of cancer that you should be aware of. Remember, having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have cancer, but it’s always wise to consult a doctor if they persist.
1. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying—especially if it’s more than 5 kg (10 pounds) in a short period—can sometimes be an early sign of cancer. This is common in cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lungs.
What to do?
If you notice sudden, unexplained weight loss, consult a doctor to rule out any serious conditions.
2. Persistent Fatigue
Feeling extremely tired even after adequate rest could be a sign of cancer. Unlike normal tiredness, cancer-related fatigue doesn’t improve with sleep and can worsen over time.
Possible cancers linked to fatigue:
Leukemia
Colon cancer
Stomach cancer
What to do?
If fatigue is persistent and unexplained, get a medical checkup.
3. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits
Long term constipation or diarrhea could indicate colon cancer.
Blood in stool or urine may be a sign of colorectal, bladder, or kidney cancer.
Pain during urination or frequent urination could be linked to prostate or bladder cancer.
What to do?
Don’t ignore changes in bowel or bladder habits. A doctor can recommend tests like a colonoscopy or urine analysis.
Consult Top Oncologist For personalised Tips
4. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness
A cough that doesn’t go away or worsens over time, especially if accompanied by blood, could be a symptom of lung or throat cancer.
When to worry?
If the cough lasts more than 3 weeks
If there’s blood in the mucus
What to do?
See a doctor for a chest X-ray or other diagnostic tests.
5. Unusual Lumps or Swelling
A new lump or swelling in any part of the body—such as the breast, testicles, lymph nodes, or underarms—should be checked.
Possible cancers:
Breast cancer
Lymphoma
Testicular cancer
What to do?
Perform regular selfexaminations and consult a doctor if you notice any unusual lumps.
6. Skin Changes
New moles or changes in existing moles (size, color, shape) could indicate skin cancer.
Yellowing of skin (jaundice) may suggest liver or pancreatic cancer.
Dark patches or excessive itching can also be warning signs.
What to do?
Monitor your skin and see a dermatologist if you notice unusual changes.
7. Difficulty Swallowing
Persistent trouble swallowing (dysphagia) or a feeling that food is stuck in the throat may be linked to esophageal or throat cancer.
What to do?
If swallowing problems persist, consult a doctor for an endoscopy or imaging tests.
8. Persistent Pain
Unexplained pain that doesn’t go away with usual treatments could be a sign of bone, ovarian, or brain cancer.
When to worry?
Pain that lasts for weeks
Pain that worsens at night
What to do?
Seek medical advice to determine the cause.
9. Night Sweats or Fever
Frequent fevers or excessive night sweats without infection could indicate cancers like leukemia or lymphoma.
What to do?
If these symptoms persist, a blood test or biopsy may be needed.
10. Abnormal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding after menopause could indicate uterine or cervical cancer.
Blood in vomit may suggest stomach or esophageal cancer.
Nosebleeds or easy bruising could be linked to blood cancers.
What to do?
Never ignore unusual bleeding—consult a doctor immediately.
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience any of these symptoms for more than 23 weeks, it’s important to get a medical evaluation. Early detection saves lives!
How Apollo 24|7 Can Help?
If you’re concerned about any symptoms, Apollo 24|7 offers:
Expert consultations with oncologists
Diagnostic tests (blood tests, imaging, biopsies)
Personalized treatment plans
Book a consultation or test today through the Apollo 24|7 app or website for timely care.
Final Thoughts
While these symptoms can be alarming, they don’t always mean cancer. However, being aware and proactive about your health can make a big difference. If you notice any persistent changes in your body, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Would you like to schedule a consultation or learn more about cancer screenings? Visit Apollo 24|7 for expert guidance.
Consult Top Oncologist
Consult Top Oncologist For personalised Tips
Dr. Vishal Choksi
Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist
20 Years • American Head & Neck Society (AHNS) certified from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, American Board of Surgery (ABS) certified general surgeon, MBBS (India)
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
Dr Devashish Tripathi
Radiation Specialist Oncologist
20 Years • MBBS, PLAB, MRCP (UK)- General Medicine, FRCR (Oncology), Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT)- Clinical Oncology
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. Gopal Kumar
Head, Neck and Thyroid Cancer Surgeon
15 Years • MBBS, MS , FARHNS ( Seoul, South Korea ), FGOLF ( MSKCC, New York )
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Gopal Kumar
Head, Neck and Thyroid Cancer Surgeon
15 Years • MBBS, MS , FARHNS ( Seoul, South Korea ), FGOLF ( MSKCC, New York )
Noida
Apollo Hospitals Sector 26, Noida
Dr. Priyanka Srivastava
Medical Oncologist
15 Years • MBBS, MD, DrNB Medical Oncology, Fellowship (Medical Oncology) , PMCC, UOT Canada.
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
Consult Top Oncologist
Dr. Vishal Choksi
Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist
20 Years • American Head & Neck Society (AHNS) certified from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, American Board of Surgery (ABS) certified general surgeon, MBBS (India)
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
Dr Devashish Tripathi
Radiation Specialist Oncologist
20 Years • MBBS, PLAB, MRCP (UK)- General Medicine, FRCR (Oncology), Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT)- Clinical Oncology
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. Gopal Kumar
Head, Neck and Thyroid Cancer Surgeon
15 Years • MBBS, MS , FARHNS ( Seoul, South Korea ), FGOLF ( MSKCC, New York )
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Gopal Kumar
Head, Neck and Thyroid Cancer Surgeon
15 Years • MBBS, MS , FARHNS ( Seoul, South Korea ), FGOLF ( MSKCC, New York )
Noida
Apollo Hospitals Sector 26, Noida
Dr. Priyanka Srivastava
Medical Oncologist
15 Years • MBBS, MD, DrNB Medical Oncology, Fellowship (Medical Oncology) , PMCC, UOT Canada.
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
