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For many cancers, there are warning signs and symptoms, and the benefits of early detection are indisputable. It is important for individuals, communities, health professionals and policy makers to be aware of, and educated in recognising the general signs and symptoms for cancer.
Here are the top signs and symptoms you should look out for, courtesy of the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa):
Warning signs for adult cancer
- Change in a wart or mole
- Any continued fever
- Nagging cough or continued hoarseness
- Chronic pain in bones or in other area of the body
- Enduring nausea, fatigue or vomiting
- Repeated infection and/or inflammation
- Change in bowel or bladder habits
- A sore that does not heal
- Unusual discharge or abnormal bleeding
- Thickening or lump in the breast, testicles or elsewhere
- Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
- Obvious change in the size, shape, colour or thickness of a wart, mole or mouth sore
- Noticeable weight loss and loss of appetite
Warning signs for childhood cancer (under 15 years of age)
- Continued, unexplained weight loss
- Headaches, often with vomiting (early night/early morning)
- Increased swelling or pain in back, bones, joints or legs
- Lump/mass in abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis or armpits
- Development of excessive bruising, bleeding or rash
- Constant infections
- A whitish colour behind the pupil
- Nausea which persists or nausea without vomiting
- Constant tiredness or noticeable paleness
- Eye or vision changes (occurs suddenly, and persists)
- Recurrent fevers of unknown origin
While some symptoms mentioned above might be caused by another health problem, if you notice one or more if the above symptoms persists, it is important to see a health professional without delay.
Here are the top signs and symptoms you should look out for, courtesy of the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa):
Warning signs for adult cancer
- Change in a wart or mole
- Any continued fever
- Nagging cough or continued hoarseness
- Chronic pain in bones or in other area of the body
- Enduring nausea, fatigue or vomiting
- Repeated infection and/or inflammation
- Change in bowel or bladder habits
- A sore that does not heal
- Unusual discharge or abnormal bleeding
- Thickening or lump in the breast, testicles or elsewhere
- Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
- Obvious change in the size, shape, colour or thickness of a wart, mole or mouth sore
- Noticeable weight loss and loss of appetite
Warning signs for childhood cancer (under 15 years of age)
- Continued, unexplained weight loss
- Headaches, often with vomiting (early night/early morning)
- Increased swelling or pain in back, bones, joints or legs
- Lump/mass in abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis or armpits
- Development of excessive bruising, bleeding or rash
- Constant infections
- A whitish colour behind the pupil
- Nausea which persists or nausea without vomiting
- Constant tiredness or noticeable paleness
- Eye or vision changes (occurs suddenly, and persists)
- Recurrent fevers of unknown origin
While some symptoms mentioned above might be caused by another health problem, if you notice one or more if the above symptoms persists, it is important to see a health professional without delay.
