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Cancer: Seven Warning Signs

There usually are no signs or symptoms when cancer is in its very early stage. Sometimes early symptoms do not seem like anything serious. Learning what to look for can lead to early detection. Early detection of a cancer greatly increases the chances of curing cancer.

The American Cancer Society has identified seven major warning signs of cancer:

a change in bowel or bladder habits
a sore that does not heal
unusual bleeding or discharge from any place
a lump in the breast or other parts of the body
chronic indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
obvious changes in a wart or mole
persistent coughing or hoarseness.

You should have a check up soon if you have any of these warning signs. Having one of these warning signs does not mean you are sure to have cancer. However, if you are diagnosed with cancer, early treatment greatly increases your chances to be cured if a cancer is found.

To learn more about the warning signs of cancer, call your local chapter of the American Cancer Society, or call (800) ACS-2345 or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File CNC3517F.HTM Release 9.0/2006