Early detection of cancer can make a life-saving difference. While many early signs of cancer can be subtle or mistaken for less serious conditions, it’s important to recognize symptoms that should never be ignored. Here are over 20 early warning signs that could indicate cancer is developing in your body:

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

Sudden and unexplained weight loss without changes in diet or exercise can be an early indicator of several types of cancer, particularly cancers of the stomach, pancreas, or lungs.

2. Persistent Fatigue

While fatigue is common, constant exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest may signal leukemia or other cancers.

3. Unusual Lumps or Swelling

Lumps under the skin, especially in the breast, testicles, or lymph nodes, should be examined immediately.

4. Changes in Skin Appearance

New moles, changes in existing moles, or unusual skin discoloration can be early signs of skin cancer.

5. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness

A chronic cough or voice changes could be symptoms of lung, throat, or thyroid cancer.

6. Difficulty Swallowing

Ongoing trouble swallowing can be a warning sign of throat or esophageal cancer.

7. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

Persistent constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or changes in bladder function may indicate colon, bladder, or prostate cancer.

8. Unusual Bleeding or Discharge

Bleeding between periods, postmenopausal bleeding, blood in urine, or abnormal discharge can signal gynecological cancers or urinary tract cancers.

9. Persistent Pain

Chronic, unexplained pain, especially in the back, abdomen, or bones, could be a symptom of cancer spreading internally.

10. Non-Healing Sores

Sores that do not heal may be a sign of skin or oral cancer.

11. Indigestion or Difficulty Eating

Chronic indigestion or difficulty eating could point to cancers of the stomach or esophagus.

12. White Patches in the Mouth

White or red patches inside the mouth can be early signs of oral cancer, especially in tobacco users.

13. Chronic Fever or Infections

Frequent fevers or infections may suggest leukemia or lymphoma.

14. Shortness of Breath

Feeling short of breath without strenuous activity can be an early symptom of lung cancer.

15. Unexplained Night Sweats

Heavy night sweats could be associated with lymphoma or leukemia.

16. Changes in Breast Appearance

Any changes in size, shape, texture, or nipple discharge unrelated to breastfeeding should be checked immediately.

17. Unusual Bruising

Frequent or easy bruising, especially in unusual places, may signal blood cancers like leukemia.

18. Abdominal Bloating or Swelling

Persistent bloating can be an early sign of ovarian cancer.

19. Pelvic or Abdominal Pain

Unexplained pelvic pain may be associated with ovarian, uterine, or other reproductive cancers.

20. Persistent Heartburn

Chronic heartburn that doesn’t go away could be linked to cancers of the esophagus or stomach.

21. Numbness or Weakness

Unexplained weakness or numbness in any part of the body could indicate cancer affecting the nervous system.