• Blood in stool (bright red or dark/tarry)

  • Persistent diarrhea or constipation

  • Changes in stool shape (narrower than usual)

  • Feeling that bowel doesn’t empty completely

When to worry: Any persistent change lasting more than 2 weeks.

6. Difficulty Swallowing

What to watch for: Food feels stuck in your throat or chest. Swallowing becomes effortful or painful.

When to worry: Any episode of food feeling stuck.

7. Skin Changes

What to watch for:

  • New moles or spots

  • Changes to existing moles (size, shape, color)

  • Sores that don’t heal

  • Yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice)

The ABCDE rule for moles:

  • Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other

  • Border: Irregular, scalloped edges

  • Color: Varied shades

  • Diameter: Larger than 6mm (pencil eraser size)

  • Evolving: Changing in any way

When to worry: Any new or changing spot—see a dermatologist.

8. Unexplained Bleeding

What to watch for:

  • Blood in urine or stool

  • Coughing up blood

  • Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding (between periods, after menopause, after intercourse)

When to worry: Any unexplained bleeding—don’t wait.

9. Persistent Fever or Night Sweats

What to watch for: Fever that comes and goes without infection. Night sweats that soak through your clothes and sheets.

When to worry: If you’re waking up drenched regularly—or running fevers without explanation.

10. Lumps or Thickening

What to watch for: A new lump or thickening anywhere—breast, testicle, neck, armpit, groin.

When to worry: Any new lump anywhere. Most are benign, but only a professional can tell.

11. Bloating or Abdominal Fullness

What to watch for: Persistent bloating that doesn’t come and go with your cycle. Feeling full after eating very little.

Common cancers linked: Ovarian, stomach, pancreatic.

When to worry: Bloating that lasts more than 2 weeks.

12. Changes in Urination

What to watch for:

  • Blood in urine

  • Changes in frequency

  • Pain or burning with urination

  • Difficulty starting or stopping

Common cancers linked: Bladder, kidney, prostate.

When to worry: Any persistent change.

13. Persistent Heartburn or Indigestion

What to watch for: Heartburn that doesn’t respond to medication. Chronic indigestion.

Common cancers linked: Esophageal, stomach, ovarian.

When to worry: If it’s new, persistent, or different from your usual.

14. Mouth Changes

What to watch for: