Cancer is often most treatable when caught early. Recognizing the subtle signals your body may be sending could save your life. While these symptoms do not always mean cancer, they are worth discussing with a healthcare provider — especially if they persist.

 1. Unexplained Weight Loss

Shedding pounds without trying? If you lose more than 10 pounds without changes in diet or exercise, it’s time to investigate. Unexpected weight loss can be a sign of several types of cancer, including stomach, lung, or pancreatic.

 2. Persistent Fatigue

Everyone feels tired sometimes, but constant, deep fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest could be a red flag. Leukemia and colon or stomach cancers often cause prolonged fatigue.

 3. Lumps or Swelling

A new lump or swelling in the breast, testicles, neck, or elsewhere on the body should be evaluated. While not all lumps are cancerous, some can be early indicators.

 4. Skin Changes

Watch for new moles, changes in size or color of existing moles, or other skin abnormalities. Skin cancers, especially melanoma, often start with noticeable skin changes.

 5. Persistent Pain

Chronic pain that doesn’t go away — especially in the bones, back, or abdomen — could be a symptom of cancers that have spread or are affecting nerves.

 6. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

Colon, bladder, and prostate cancers may cause long-term changes in bowel or urinary habits, such as:

• Diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a few days

• Blood in stool or urine

• Increased urgency or frequency

 7. Unusual Bleeding or Discharge

Bleeding between menstrual cycles, after menopause, or from the digestive or urinary tract is not normal and needs medical evaluation.

 8. Chronic Cough or Hoarseness

A cough that lingers for more than 3 weeks or hoarseness that doesn’t improve can be signs of throat or lung cancer, especially in smokers.

 9. Difficulty Swallowing or Indigestion

Ongoing trouble swallowing, pain when swallowing, or persistent indigestion may signal esophageal, throat, or stomach cancer.

 10. Sores That Don’t Heal

If you have a sore — in the mouth, on the skin, or elsewhere — that doesn’t heal after several weeks, it could be a sign of cancer and needs attention.

 When to Seek Medical Help

If any of these signs persist for more than two weeks, consult a healthcare provider. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and better outcomes.

 Reminder: These symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than cancer. But it’s always better to check and be safe.

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 How to Prevent Cancer: 10 Proven Ways to Lower Your Risk

While not all cancers are preventable, up to 50% of cancers can be reduced through healthy lifestyle choices and regular screenings. Here are 10 powerful ways to protect your body and reduce your cancer risk.

 1. Don’t Use Tobacco

Tobacco use is the leading cause of cancer worldwide, linked to cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, pancreas, bladder, and more.

Prevention Tip: Quit smoking or using tobacco products. Avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible.

 2. Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can reduce your cancer risk.

• Limit processed meats and red meat

• Choose plant-based foods often

• Avoid sugary drinks and refined carbs

Bonus: A healthy diet also boosts your immune system and energy levels.

 3. Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise helps lower the risk of several cancers, especially breast and colon cancer.

Prevention Tip: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity (like walking) 5 days a week.

 4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of cancers such as breast, colon, uterine, kidney, and pancreatic.

Prevention Tip: Combine diet and exercise to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).

 5. Limit Alcohol Intake

Alcohol is linked to mouth, liver, breast, and esophageal cancers.

Prevention Tip: If you drink, do so in moderation — up to 1 drink per day for women, 2 for men.

 6. Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Skin cancer, including melanoma, is one of the most common — but also one of the most preventable.

Prevention Tips:

• Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen

• Avoid tanning beds

• Wear protective clothing and hats

 7. Get Vaccinated

Some cancers are caused by viruses — and vaccines can help protect you.

Essential Cancer-Preventing Vaccines:

• HPV vaccine (prevents cervical, throat, and other cancers)

• Hepatitis B vaccine (prevents liver cancer)

 8. Avoid Risky Behaviors

Certain infections and unsafe behaviors can raise your cancer risk.

Prevention Tips:

• Practice safe sex (to avoid HPV, HIV, and hepatitis)

• Avoid sharing needles

 9. Get Regular Screenings and Check-ups

Early detection saves lives. Regular screenings can find cancer early or even prevent it.

Common Screenings:

• Mammograms (breast cancer)

• Colonoscopy (colon cancer)

• Pap smears (cervical cancer)

• PSA test (prostate cancer)

Talk to your doctor about what tests are right for your age and risk level.

 10. Reduce Stress and Prioritize Sleep

Chronic stress and poor sleep can weaken your immune system and indirectly contribute to cancer risk.

Prevention Tip: Get at least 7–8 hours of quality sleep and manage stress with relaxation, meditation, or hobbies.

 Your Health is in Your Hands

You can’t control all risk factors — but by making smart, everyday choices, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing cancer. Prevention is powerful.

 Stay Informed. Stay Protected.
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