Changes in your bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea and constipation, smaller stools, or having to go to the toilet more often, are some of the warning signs of cancers of the colon or rectum, especially if they persist for more than a week or are accompanied by blood in the stool. Such symptoms occur because cancers in the colon or rectum can impair the passage of stool or the function of the bowel.
Bladder cancer can also cause changes in the way you urinate, such as having to urinate more frequently, experiencing pain or burning sensation while urinating, or feeling the sudden change to urinate even when your bladder is not full.
7. Nagging Cough or Hoarseness
A cough that persists or worseness over time, particularly if it persists for more than a few weeks, changes in character, or doesn’t respond to treatment, may be more than just a pesky cold. Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of lung cancer, and it may start as a dry cough or cough that becomes deeper or more frequent over time. If it is accompanied by coughing up blood, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it is particularly important to seek medical attention.
Similarly, changes in your voice, such as hoarseness or a raspy voice, that lasts more than a few weeks may be a sign that a tumor is affecting the vocal cords or the nerve that controls them.
These symptoms are not always due to cancer. They can also be caused by infections, acid reflux, or vocal strain. However, if the issue becomes an ongoing one, please consult a doctor.
8. Unusual Bleeding or Discharge
If you notice bleeding or discharge that looks weird and doesn’t have an apparent cause, don’t simply brush it off, because it might, on occasion, be a symptom of a medical condition such as cancer.
For instance, if you notice blood in your stool, or black, tar-like bowel movements, it could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer, as explained before. Blood in the urine may indicate problems with your kidneys or bladder, while vaginal bleeding that isn’t part of your normal menstrual cycle, particularly if it occurs after intercourse or in post-menopausal women, may be a sign of cervical or uterine cancer.
Discharge that smells strange, is bloody, or looks different than normal, both at males and females, should be checked out.