8 Warning Signs of Cancer

It is important to recognise the signs and symptoms of cancer because an early diagnosis and prompt treatment of cancer can save your life.

Generally, warning signs of cancer may not necessarily be cancer symptoms in most individuals. However, if you do experience persistent symptoms and you are unsure about them, do get yourself checked by a doctor.

1. Persistent cough, breathlessness, chest pain and hoarse voice
• If you have a cough that has lasted for more than 3 weeks, breathlessness, chest pain or a change in your voice (hoarseness), please speak to your doctor so that it can be investigated. Read more about lung cancer.
2. Changes in bowel habits
• Changes in the colour, consistency, size, or shape of your stools for example diarrhoea or constipation for no obvious reason for more than 3 weeks.
• Feeling of not completely emptying your bowel after you defecate. Read more about colorectal cancer.
3. Unusual bleeding or discharge
• Blood in your urine. Read more about kidney cancer.
• Blood in your stool. Read more about colorectal cancer.
• Bleeding from your vagina between menstruation periods or after menopause. Read more about cervical cancer.
• Abnormal nosebleed. Read more about nasopharyngeal cancer.
• Blood when you cough. Read more about lung cancer.
• Blood in your vomit. Read more about stomach cancer.
• Unusual discharge from your body (e.g. nipple). Read more about breast cancer.
4. Lump in breast or other parts of body
• Lump found in your breast. Read more about breast cancer.
• Lump in your scrotum. Read more about testicular cancer.
• Lump in the neck. Read more about nasopharyngeal cancer.
5. Changes to moles or a sore that does not heal
• Please speak to your doctor if you notice the following in your mole: changes in shape or colour, starts itching, crusting, flaking, or bleeding and gets larger or more raised.
• A sore that is not getting better over time, gets painful or starts bleeding. Read more about skin cancer.
6. Difficulty in swallowing or frequent indigestion & abdominal discomfort
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Feeling full even without or with minimal food consumption.
• Pain in the tummy or bloating for more than 3 weeks. Read more about stomach cancer.
7. Itchy or yellow skin
• Itchy skin or your skin and the white part of your eyes is yellow. Read more about liver cancer.
8. Weight loss and bruising
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Bruising and bleeding easily. Read more about blood cancers (leukaemia and lymphoma)

The above are general signs and symptoms of cancer. For more detailed information regarding signs and symptoms of specific cancers, please refer to the individual cancer articles available here.