Possible signs and symptoms of cancer

Don’t panic

Possible signs of the most common cancers

1. Breast cancer

• Changes in the shape of a breast;

• A lump or swelling on the breast or armpits;

• a change in the nipple or areola: inverted nipple, discoloration, scaling or thickening, discharge;

• pain;

• dents, pits or folds in the breast.

2. Cancer of the female reproductive organs

• Abnormal bleeding between periods, after menopause, after intercourse;

• Vague abdominal and/or lower back pain; bloating, nausea…;

• Loss of appetite;

• Changes in bowel movements;

• Fat belly

3. Prostate cancer

• Problems with urination: weak and/or interrupted urine stream, difficulty urinating, frequent urination, the feeling that the bladder is not completely empty…;

• Pain or burning sensation when urinating or ejaculating;

• Blood in the urine or semen.

4. Stomach, liver and intestinal cancer

• Unexplained fatigue;

• Unexplained weight loss, prolonged loss of appetite;

• Change in bowel habits: constipation, diarrhea or alternating between the two;

• Unusual persistent nausea;

• Blood in the stool;

• Persistent cramps or abdominal pain;

• Yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes, changes in urine and bowel movements.

5. Lung cancer

• Persistent cough (at least 3 weeks);

• Persistent hoarseness;

• Persistent chest pain;

• Shortness of breath for no reason;

• Coughing up blood;

• Frequently recurring bronchitis or pneumonia;

• Unexplained fatigue;

6. Skin cancer

A suspicious skin spot:

• that changes;

• gets two unequal halves (not symmetrical);

• has a jagged edge or notch;

• has different color shades;

• is larger than 6 millimeters;

7. Lymphatic system cancer and leukemia

• Fatigue;

• Paleness,

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fever, heavy sweating

• Sore throat

• Spontaneous bruising

• Swelling of lymph nodes and enlargement of the liver and spleen

8. Bladder and kidney cancer

• Blood in urine;

• Difficulty urinating: pain or burning sensation, difficulty urinating, frequent urination, sudden need to urinate…;

• Pain in lower abdomen and/or lower back;

9. Head and neck cancer

• Swelling or pain in the mouth or neck;

• Wound or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal;

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing, choking or a ‘lump in the throat’ feeling;

• Persistent hoarseness;

• Audible breathing (stridor);

• Persistent cough or sore throat;

• Lumps in the neck area;

• Bleeding from the mouth or nose;

. Changes in hearing or pain around the ear;

• Headache;

• Nasal congestion or changes in odor perception;

Sources