Early Signs of Cancer and Symptoms by Cancer Type
Cancer can cause many different symptoms depending on the type and location of the disease. Some cancers cause early warning signs, while others may produce symptoms only after the disease has grown.
This page explains common cancer symptoms and early warning signs, including symptoms linked to the most common cancer types.
Having symptoms does not mean a person has cancer, but persistent or unexplained symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
General Cancer Symptoms
Many cancers share common symptoms. These are sometimes called general cancer warning signs.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying can be a symptom of cancer.
This is most commonly seen in:
- pancreatic cancer
- stomach cancer
- lung cancer
- colon cancer
- esophageal cancer
Unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more should be evaluated.
Persistent Fatigue
Cancer-related fatigue often does not improve with rest.
Fatigue is commonly seen in:
- leukemia
- lymphoma
- colon cancer
- advanced cancers
Pain That Does Not Go Away
Persistent pain may be a warning sign of cancer.
Examples include:
- bone pain
- abdominal pain
- headaches
- back pain
Pain may occur in:
- bone cancer
- pancreatic cancer
- brain tumors
Fever or Night Sweats
Unexplained fever may be associated with cancer.
Often seen in:
- lymphoma
- leukemia
Night sweats may occur with lymphoma.
Visible Warning Signs of Cancer
Some cancer symptoms can be seen or felt.
New Lumps or Swelling
New lumps may be cancer symptoms.
Common areas:
- breast
- neck
- armpit
- groin
- testicles
Many lumps are noncancerous, but persistent lumps should be examined.
Skin Changes
Skin changes can be warning signs of cancer.
Examples include:
- new moles
- changing moles
- sores that do not heal
- bleeding skin lesions
These may indicate:
- melanoma
- basal cell carcinoma
- squamous cell carcinoma
Digestive Cancer Symptoms
Digestive cancers often cause symptoms involving the stomach or intestines.
Changes in Bowel Habits
Possible symptoms include:
- persistent diarrhea
- constipation
- narrower stools
These may occur in:
- colon cancer
- rectal cancer
Blood in Stool
Blood in stool may appear:
- bright red
- dark red
- black
Possible causes include:
- colon cancer
- rectal cancer
- stomach cancer
Abdominal Discomfort
Symptoms include:
- bloating
- cramping
- fullness after small meals
Possible cancers include:
- stomach cancer
- ovarian cancer
- colon cancer
Difficulty Swallowing
Trouble swallowing may occur in:
- esophageal cancer
- throat cancer
Lung Cancer Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- persistent cough
- coughing up blood
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- recurring lung infections
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Common breast cancer symptoms include:
- lump in the breast
- breast swelling
- skin dimpling
- nipple discharge
- nipple inversion
- breast pain (less common)
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms.
Possible symptoms include:
- difficulty urinating
- weak urine flow
- frequent urination
- blood in urine
- blood in semen
Skin Cancer Symptoms
Skin cancer symptoms include:
- new moles
- changing moles
- irregular borders
- uneven color
- bleeding lesions
- sores that do not heal
Melanoma warning signs often follow the ABCDE rule:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color variation
- Diameter growth
- Evolving shape
Colon Cancer Symptoms
Colon cancer symptoms include:
- blood in stool
- persistent constipation
- persistent diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- unexplained weight loss
- fatigue
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms often include:
- abdominal bloating
- pelvic pain
- feeling full quickly
- frequent urination
Symptoms are often subtle early.
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- upper abdominal pain
- back pain
- weight loss
- loss of appetite
- nausea
Late symptoms may include:
- jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Blood Cancer Symptoms
Includes leukemia and lymphoma.
Common symptoms:
- fatigue
- frequent infections
- easy bruising
- bleeding
- swollen lymph nodes
- night sweats
- fever
Brain Tumor Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- persistent headaches
- seizures
- nausea
- vision problems
- balance problems
- personality changes
Bladder and Kidney Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- blood in urine
- pain during urination
- lower back pain
- frequent urination
Gynecologic Cancer Symptoms
Includes uterine and cervical cancers.
Symptoms include:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
- pelvic pain
- pain during intercourse
- unusual discharge
Symptoms That Should Never Be Ignored
Seek medical evaluation for:
- blood in stool
- blood in urine
- coughing blood
- unexplained weight loss
- persistent lumps
- difficulty swallowing
- persistent fatigue
Early Signs of Cancer
Early cancer symptoms may include:
- mild fatigue
- minor pain
- small lumps
- appetite changes
- subtle weight loss
Some cancers produce no early symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
Medical evaluation is recommended if symptoms:
- last longer than 2–3 weeks
- worsen over time
- have no clear cause
American Cancer Society
Cancer Signs and Symptoms
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/symptoms.html
National Cancer Institute
Symptoms of Cancer
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/symptoms
NHS (UK National Health Service)
Possible Signs of Cancer
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/symptoms
Mayo Clinic
Cancer Symptoms and Causes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20370588
American Cancer Society – Cancer Signs and Symptoms
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/symptoms.html
National Cancer Institute – Symptoms of Cancer
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/symptoms
Mayo Clinic – Cancer Symptoms and Causes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20370588
NHS – Possible Signs of Cancer
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/symptoms/