February is host not only to World Cancer Day, but it is also Preventative Health Awareness Month. With these in mind, we want to take a look at the signs of cancer, a disease that 45% of Canadians will be diagnosed with at some point in their lives. 

Cancer is a complex disease with many forms, and its symptoms can vary widely depending on the type and stage of the illness. However, there are several warning signs that could indicate the presence of cancer. Recognizing these early signs can be crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment, potentially improving the prognosis. Here are some common warning signs to be aware of:

1. Unexplained Weight Loss Unintentional weight loss of 10 pounds or more without changing diet or exercise habits can be a significant sign of cancer. This weight loss can occur when the body starts to use more energy than usual or when cancer affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

2. Fatigue Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest can be a warning sign of various types of cancer. This symptom may be caused by the body’s response to the disease or the tumor itself affecting organs or bone marrow, leading to a lack of energy.

3. Pain Chronic or unexplained pain, especially pain that doesn’t go away or increases over time, can be a sign of cancer. For instance, persistent headaches or back pain could indicate brain or spinal cord tumors, while bone pain may be linked to bone cancer or cancers that spread to the bones.

4. Changes in Skin Appearance Any sudden or unusual changes in the skin, such as new moles, growths, or changes in existing moles, could indicate skin cancer. Skin cancer may also present as sores that do not heal or as changes in the color, shape, or size of a mole.

5. Unexplained Bleeding or Discharge Bleeding that occurs without an obvious cause should be taken seriously. Coughing up blood, blood in the stool, or unusual vaginal bleeding can all be signs of various cancers, such as lung, colon, or uterine cancer.

6. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness A persistent cough that lasts for weeks or a change in the voice, such as hoarseness, could be a sign of lung or throat cancer. If this symptom doesn’t improve over time, it warrants medical evaluation.

7. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits Long-term changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, blood in the urine, or difficulty urinating, could be signs of colorectal or bladder cancer.

8. Difficulty Swallowing Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food being stuck in the throat can be a symptom of esophageal or throat cancer, especially if it persists.

It’s essential to understand that these symptoms alone do not necessarily mean cancer. Many of these signs can be associated with other health conditions. However, if you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and further tests to determine the cause. Early detection of cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

If you have any concerns, be sure to consult your physician. Carefor’s home care nurses offer supports to people diagnosed with cancer in the comfort and convenience of their own homes. To learn more, visit carefor.ca/programs/nursing/