Cancer can cause visible changes in the body, which can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. These changes may include alterations in skin appearance, unexplained weight loss or gain, or swelling in certain areas. Being aware of these visible bodily changes can help individuals recognize potential warning signs of cancer and seek medical attention promptly. Early detection is key to successful treatment, making it crucial to understand and monitor any noticeable changes in the body.
7. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
A common sign of colorectal cancer. Blood in the toilet should be a big enough sign to see a doctor immediately.
8. Lumps in the neck, underarm or groin area
Swollen lymph nodes indicate changes in the lymphatic system which can lead to cancer.
9. Excessive bruising or bleeding that doesn’t stop
Suggests abnormalities with the platelets and red blood cells, which can be a sign of leukemia. Leukemia cells crowd out red blood cells impairing your blood’s ability to carry oxygen leading to clots.
10. Bloating or abdominal weight gain
Ovarian cancer patients reported unexplained bloating that came on suddenly and continued for a significant amount of time.
11. Unexplained weight loss
An early sign of colon and other digestive cancers. Also, a sign of cancer that has spread to the liver, affecting your appetite and the body’s ability to get rid of waste.
12. A red, sore, or swollen breast
Indicates inflammatory breast cancer, unexplained changes should be told to a doctor immediately. A nipple that appears flattened, inverted, or turned sideways has also been noticed by patients diagnosed with breast cancer.
13. Swelling of facial features
Lung cancer patients have reported noticing puffiness, swelling, or redness of the face. Small cell lung tumors commonly block blood vessels in the chest preventing blood from flowing freely to the head.
14. Sore/lump on the skin that bleeds, becomes crusty, or doesn’t heal
Different types of skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma) can cause these, so be aware of any odd-looking growths or spots.
15. Changes in nails
A brown/black dot under the nail can indicate skin cancer. Pale or white nails can be a sign of liver cancer. “Clubbing”, which is the enlargement of the fingers with nails that curve down over the tips, can be a sign of lung cancer.
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