Early Cancer Warning Signs: 5 Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Fever can be a common symptom of colds and the flu, and clears up on its own.

Certain characteristics of recurring fever can foretell a possible cancer connection. You should pay particular attention if:

A fever happens mostly at night.

You have no other signs of infection.

You experience night sweats.

4) Pain

Pain is another symptom that can be caused by a multitude of health issues, most of which are not cancer. But persistent pain, can also hint at an underlying disease.

Cancer can cause pain in different ways, including:

• A mass or tumor pushing on other areas of your body
• The chemicals a cancer releases
• Metastasis, or spreading from where a cancer started

If you’re experiencing pain that doesn’t go away — and you’re not sure where it came from — your doctor can help with the best next steps.

5) Skin Changes

Our skin is the largest organ of our body and can be a window into our overall health. Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or fingertips) is one symptom that could suggest a possible infection or cancer. Contact your doctor if you notice any signs of jaundice.

Changes in moles can also be cause for concern. Call your doctor if a mole:

• Is asymmetrical, or has jagged edges
• Has irregular borders
• Changes color or gets darker
• Is large or growing