16 warning signs of cancer

Some signs are more concrete and visible, but are often attributed to a simple temporary imbalance.

  • Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool  : a warning sign of colorectal cancer.
  • Swelling in the neck, armpits or groin  : swollen lymph nodes may indicate a dysfunction of the lymphatic system.
  • Abnormal bruising or bleeding  : sometimes due to a drop in platelets in certain blood cancers.
  • Persistent bloating  : particularly in women, this can indicate ovarian cancer.
  • Unexplained weight loss  : often linked to digestive or liver cancer.

Pains that should not be ignored

Pain is a powerful form of body language. But when it persists without apparent cause, it deserves special attention.

  • Back pain or pain in the right side  : possibly a sign of liver cancer or a metastasis from breast cancer.
  • Pelvic pain  : a frequent sign of ovarian cancer or of an enlarged spleen in the case of certain leukemias.
  • Recurrent stomach pains  : persistent abdominal pain may be a sign of colorectal cancer.
  • Chronic cough or chest pain  : when they last more than three weeks, they may suggest lung cancer.

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