Before being diagnosed with cancer, do people tend to experience a range of symptoms? This was a popular Quora question, and we decided to find out the answer with the help of oncology experts, considering India has been named the cancer capital of the world. Dr Neeraj Goel, director, oncology services, GI Oncology, GI & HPB Surgery at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said that while cancer often develops silently, certain symptoms can signal its presence before diagnosis. “While these symptoms do not confirm cancer on their own, they warrant medical evaluation, especially if persistent or worsening over time,” said Dr Goel.
Dr Prashant Chandra, consultant and surgical oncologist, TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre, Talegaon, told indianexpress.com that symptoms can vary from person to person depending on various factors such as severity, type of cancer, and the stage they are diagnosed.
“Common cancer symptoms can include unintentional weight loss, feeling extremely tired even after taking enough rest, prolonged fever, unusual lumps, swelling, extreme pain in specific parts of the body, changes in bowel movements, skin becoming yellow or darker than usual, constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool, unexplained bleeding in the nose, mouth or intimate area, hoarseness of the voice, difficulty in swallowing, chronic cough, or inflammation,” said Dr Chandra.
He stressed that these symptoms could be a warning sign that something is not right with your body. “Do not overlook these symptoms and immediately consult a doctor for further diagnosis. Detecting any cancer at its early stage can help save lives and improve the effectiveness of the treatment option. These symptoms may start as mild but become severe as time passes. They occur as cancer tends to disrupt the normal functioning of your body by hijacking healthy issues while causing inflammation,” said Dr Chandra.
Pay attention to your bowel movements (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Let’s understand in detail
General symptoms
Unexplained weight loss: Losing more than 10 per cent of your body weight without any apparent reason, noted Dr Goel
Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest.
Pain: Unexplained or persistent pain in any part of the body.
Changes in appetite: A sudden loss or significant change in appetite.
Nausea and vomiting: Persistent nausea or unexplained vomiting.
Localised symptoms
Changes in bowel habits: Persistent diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool appearance that last longer than a few weeks.
Lump or swelling: Any lump or swelling in the breast or other body parts that feels unusual or increases in size.
Non-Healing ulcers: Sores or ulcers on the skin or mouth that do not heal over time.
Story continues below this ad
Other symptoms
Changes in bladder habits: Increased frequency, pain during urination, or blood in the urine.
Menstrual irregularities: Unexplained changes in menstrual patterns or unusually heavy bleeding.
Coughing up blood: Blood in sputum or a persistent cough that worsens over time.
Difficulty swallowing: Pain or obstruction when swallowing food or liquids.
Hoarseness: Persistent changes in voice tone or hoarseness without an apparent cause.
Indigestion or difficulty eating: Prolonged discomfort or pain while eating or digesting food.
Unusual bleeding or discharge: Bleeding between menstrual periods, rectal bleeding, or abnormal discharge from any body part.
These symptoms are not exclusive to cancer and may arise from other health conditions, said Dr Goel.
“However, recognising and addressing these early signs can lead to timely evaluation and, if necessary, early intervention. Always consult a healthcare provider if you experience any persistent or unusual symptoms,” said Dr Goel.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
