Could It Be Cancer? Signs and Symptoms to Get Checked

For every one of us who ignores physical symptoms, there are just as many who worry about every little scratch or headache. Whichever group you're in, it's important to know which symptoms should be checked by a doctor.

The symptoms below may signal cancer, though they are more likely to be caused by something else.

Unexplained weight loss: An unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more may be the first sign of cancer. This happens most often with cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung.

Fever: Fever is very common with cancer, but it more often happens after cancer has spread. Less often, fever may be an early sign of cancer. Of course, fever can be caused by many other less serious conditions, too.

Fatigue: Fatigue is extreme tiredness that does not get better with rest. It may be an important symptom as cancer grows. It may happen early, though, in cancers like leukemia.

Pain: Pain may be an early symptom with some cancers like bone cancers or testicular cancer. Most often, cancer causes pain after it has already spread from where it started.

Again, these symptoms can be caused by lots of things that aren't cancer, but it's important to get checked out, just in case. A doctor can help figure out what is causing the problem and treat it, if needed. And remember to get recommended cancer screening tests whether you have symptoms or not; these tests can help find some cancers early, when they are more likely to respond to treatment

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