Still, persistent changes should not automatically be dismissed.
Possible warning signs include:
- Blood in the stool
- Persistent constipation or diarrhea
- A major change in stool pattern
- Persistent abdominal discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- A continuing feeling that the bowel has not completely emptied
These symptoms can result from many non-cancerous conditions, including hemorrhoids and inflammatory bowel problems. Nevertheless, persistent or unexplained symptoms warrant medical assessment.
8. A Persistent Cough or Voice Change
A cough is usually caused by something much more ordinary, such as a respiratory infection, allergies, asthma, acid reflux, or smoking.
But a cough that does not go away, particularly when accompanied by coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath, deserves medical attention.
Similarly, a persistent change in the voice or ongoing hoarseness should be evaluated if it does not resolve as expected.
9. Extreme or Persistent Fatigue
Everyone feels tired sometimes.
Lack of sleep, stress, intense exercise, infections, anemia, and many other conditions can cause fatigue.
Cancer can also cause significant fatigue, but fatigue alone is not a reliable indicator of cancer.
What matters is a persistent and unexplained change from your normal level of energy, especially when it occurs together with other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fever, pain, bleeding, or changes in appetite.