Doctor Shares 5 ‘Red Flag’ Signs of Cancer To Look Out For

Cancer is listed among the leading causes of death worldwide, along with cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases. [1] There were just under 20 million new cases reported worldwide in 2022 alone. [2] With these numbers rising annually, it is essential that individuals get diagnosed as early as possible. With an early diagnosis, it is more likely that treatments will be effective in those affected. Let’s look at the five signs of cancer to be aware of.

The Five Signs of Cancer

According to Dr. Raj Arora, there are five red-flag signs of cancer that undiagnosed individuals should look out for. While many of the signs shared on her TikTok post may seem obvious, there are potentially a few you may not have been aware of, so be sure to pay attention! If you exhibit any of these symptoms, Dr. Arora suggests you seek professional medical advice from your doctor. She further explained that while your symptoms may not turn out to be cancer they could be indicative of other underlying health conditions that require treatment.

Suddenly Losing Weight

Many of us may welcome the shedding of unwanted pounds. However, if the weight loss is sudden and without any apparent effort on your part, it may be one of the signs of cancer to look out for, according to Dr. Arora. So, if you are suddenly shedding weight without a change in diet or exercise regime, then it is highly recommended that you make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. According to the American Cancer Society, sudden weight loss is typically the first noticeable symptom of pancreas, esophagus, stomach, and lung cancer. [3]

Finding Blood in the Toilet

Finding blood in the toilet bowl can be a rather harrowing experience. Having blood in your stool is one of the more well-known signs of cancer, so it is not surprising that it can cause fear and apprehension. Blood in the stool is potentially a sign of bowel cancer. However, it can also be caused by hemorrhoids. In the case of hemorrhoids, the appearance of blood is usually accompanied by large swollen bumps known as piles. It is highly recommended that you seek medical attention to pinpoint the cause of the blood in your stool as soon as possible. [4]

Finding Lumps on Your Body

Another well-known sign (but equally important to pay attention to), is finding unexplained lumps on your body. It doesn’t matter where it is located, if you find a new lump on your body, see your doctor as soon as possible. Very often it will not be something cancerous, however, it is essential to rule out any potential threats as early as possible. An early diagnosis results in a higher probability of the treatment being effective! Cancerous bumps are usually hard, large, painless, and appear suddenly and spontaneously. [5]

Bleeding After Menopause

The doctor went on to say that post-menopausal bleeding was another of the signs of cancer to be aware of. Anyone experiencing vaginal bleeding post-menopause should see their doctor as soon as possible. The same is suggested for anyone experiencing vaginal bleeding after intercourse. Once again, this may not be a definite indicator that you have cancer, however, it is very important to rule this possibility out. Vaginal bleeding could also be a symptom of polyps, vaginal dryness, or changes in your reproductive system. Bleeding post-menopause is a sign of uterine cancer in about 10% of women. [6]

Being Persistently Bloated

Feeling constantly bloated is one of the most ignored signs of cancer. This is likely due to the fact that many things can cause one to feel bloated. For example, there may be something in your diet causing you to feel bloated. However, if you have tried treating a persistently bloated tummy or indigestion issue and had no success, it may be time to visit your doctor. When cancer spreads to the tissue lining your abdomen it makes your tummy feel bloated. This is due to a build-up of fluid known as ascites. [7]

The Bottom Line on Signs of Cancer

When it comes to cancer, it is important to recognize the signs as early as possible. Today, we discovered the five most important signs of cancer to look out for. While all of these symptoms may prove to be caused by other ailments, it is always important to rule out the possibility of cancer. So, whether you are suddenly losing weight, finding blood in your stool, or lumps on your body, make sure to book an appointment with your GP as soon as you can! Likewise, if you are experiencing post-menopausal bleeding or persistent bloating, seek help from a medical professional. Always remember that early detection means early prevention. The sooner your cancer is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.