3. Unexplained Bleeding
Unexpected bleeding is a symptom that should not simply be ignored.
Depending on a woman's age and circumstances, concerning patterns can include bleeding between periods, unusually heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding after sexual intercourse, or vaginal bleeding after menopause.
There are many possible causes, including hormonal changes, fibroids, polyps, infections, medications, and other gynecological conditions.
But abnormal bleeding can also occur with certain cancers, including cervical, uterine, and vaginal cancers.
The specific cause cannot be determined from the symptom alone.
If bleeding is unusual for you or occurs after menopause, contact a healthcare professional for evaluation.
4. A New Lump or Persistent Swelling
One of the most widely recognized cancer warning signs is a new lump.
For women, this may include a new breast lump, thickening, swelling, or another persistent change in breast tissue.
However, most breast lumps are not cancerous. Cysts, fibroadenomas, hormonal changes, infections, and other benign conditions can produce similar findings.
The key is not to try to diagnose the lump yourself.
A healthcare professional can determine whether it requires imaging, monitoring, or further testing.
Breast changes can also include changes in the nipple, skin dimpling, unusual discharge, or a change in the appearance of one breast.
Any new and persistent breast change deserves appropriate evaluation.
5. Persistent Changes in the Skin
Skin changes can sometimes be overlooked because they may initially appear harmless.
A changing mole is one example that deserves attention. Warning features can include changes in size, shape, color, or border, as well as a lesion that repeatedly bleeds, crusts, itches, or fails to heal.