Losing 5–10% of body weight without changing diet or activity can be a red flag. Some cancers increase metabolism or reduce appetite, especially pancreatic, lung, and stomach cancers.
10. Constant bloating or feeling full too quickly
If your stomach feels swollen or meals suddenly feel heavy, especially for days at a time, it may indicate abdominal pressure from tumors—commonly associated with ovarian cancer.
9. Changes in bowel habits
Ongoing diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, or a constant urge to go can signal colon cancer. These changes are often ignored or blamed on diet.
8. Persistent cough or hoarseness
A cough that doesn’t go away or voice changes lasting weeks—without infection—may be linked to lung or throat cancers.
7. Difficulty swallowing or throat discomfort
Feeling like food is stuck or experiencing chest tightness while eating can indicate esophageal narrowing caused by tumors.
6. Skin changes or new growths
Moles that change color, shape, or size—or bleed or itch—should never be ignored. These may signal melanoma.
5. Lumps or swelling
Unexplained lumps in the breast, neck, armpit, or groin can indicate breast cancer or lymphoma.
