These are not diagnoses — but red flags that deserve medical attention.
1.
Unexplained weight loss (10+ lbs without trying)
Pancreatic, stomach, lung, or thyroid cancer; also linked to diabetes, stress, or hyperthyroidism
2.
Fever or night sweats lasting weeks
Lymphoma, leukemia, infections, or autoimmune conditions
3.
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Anemia, sleep disorders, depression, or chronic illness — including some cancers
4.
Lump or thickening anywhere (breast, neck, armpit, testicle, etc.)
Breast cancer, lymph node involvement, cysts, or benign growths
5.
Changes in bowel or bladder habits (blood, urgency, constipation)
Colorectal, bladder, or prostate cancer — especially if persistent
Sores that don’t heal
White patches inside the mouth (leukoplakia)
Persistent cough or hoarseness
Blood in urine or stool
Headaches that are new, severe, or worse in the morning
✅ None of these mean you have cancer — but if they last more than 2–3 weeks, talk to your doctor.
✅ Who Is at Higher Risk?
Certain factors increase cancer risk — but anyone can be affected.
✅
Smoking & tobacco use
#1 preventable cause — linked to lung, bladder, throat cancers
✅
Family history
Some cancers run in families — share your history with your doctor
✅
Age over 50
Risk increases with age — screenings become critical
✅
Sun exposure
Major cause of skin cancer — wear sunscreen daily
✅
Obesity & poor diet
Linked to colorectal, breast, and other cancers
✅
Chronic infections
HPV (cervical), Hepatitis B/C (liver), H. pylori (stomach)Continue reading…
