Cancer is often most treatable when caught early, but many symptoms can be subtle—and easy to overlook. For women, certain warning signs are frequently brushed off as everyday issues, stress, or aging. However, staying alert to unusual changes in your body could save your life.

Here are 20 potential signs of cancer that women commonly ignore. If you notice any of these and they persist or worsen, don’t delay—consult a doctor.

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1. Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without trying—especially more than 5 kg (10 lbs)—can be an early sign of cancers such as stomach, pancreas, lung, or ovarian cancer.

2. Persistent Fatigue

Chronic tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest could signal leukemia, colon cancer, or other cancers that affect the blood or internal organs.

3. Unusual Bleeding

Irregular vaginal bleeding (especially after menopause), blood in urine, stool, or coughing up blood should never be ignored.

4. Bloating

Feeling constantly bloated or having abdominal swelling may be linked to ovarian or gastrointestinal cancers.

5. Breast Changes

Lumps, dimpling, nipple discharge, or skin changes on the breast can be signs of breast cancer—even if there's no pain.

6. Persistent Cough

A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks, especially if it's dry or accompanied by blood, may indicate lung cancer.

7. Difficulty Swallowing

Trouble swallowing or a feeling of something stuck in the throat could be linked to esophageal or throat cancer.

8. Skin Changes

New moles, changes in existing ones, or non-healing sores may point to skin cancer, including melanoma.

9. Pelvic or Abdominal Pain

Chronic pelvic discomfort can be an early symptom of ovarian or uterine cancer.

10. Frequent Fevers or Infections

These may indicate cancers that affect the immune system, like leukemia or lymphoma.

11. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

Constipation, diarrhea, or changes in urination habits that persist can signal colon or bladder cancer.

12. Indigestion or Heartburn That Won’t Go Away

These can be early signs of cancers affecting the stomach, esophagus, or throat.

13. Unexplained Pain

Persistent pain in any area, such as back, abdomen, or bones, may be a red flag.

14. Sores That Don’t Heal

Especially in the mouth or on the skin, these might indicate oral or skin cancer.

15. Hoarseness or Voice Changes

Ongoing hoarseness can be a symptom of throat or thyroid cancer.

16. Persistent Headaches

Frequent, unexplained headaches may suggest brain cancer, though they can have many causes.

17. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Enlarged glands in the neck, underarms, or groin can be signs of blood-related cancers.

18. Shortness of Breath

This could signal lung cancer or cancer that has spread to the lungs.

19. Unusual Vaginal Discharge

A sudden change in color, consistency, or odor can be a sign of cervical or vaginal cancer.

20. Loss of Appetite or Feeling Full Quickly

Especially if combined with weight loss or bloating, this could point to ovarian or stomach cancer.