“Red-Flag Symptoms of Cancer: How to Spot Warning Signs Early”

 


Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in India, but the good news is that early detection can save lives. Most cancers do not appear suddenly — they usually give warning signs. However, many of these symptoms overlap with common illnesses, which makes people ignore them. That’s why identifying “red-flag” symptoms becomes important. These are specific features that make a symptom more likely to be cancer and reduce the chance of false alarms.

Let’s look at some of the most common cancers in India and the key signs to watch out for.

1. Oral Cancer

  • Common symptoms: Non-healing ulcer > 3 weeks, white or red patch, difficulty in swallowing, lump in cheek.

  • Red-flag sign: Ulcer or patch that is hard or bleeds when touched.
    👉 If you chew tobacco, smoke, or drink alcohol, these symptoms should never be ignored.

2. Breast Cancer

  • Common symptoms: Lump in the breast, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, change in shape or size.

  • Red-flag sign: Lump that is hard, irregular, and fixed to the surrounding tissue.
    👉 Self-breast examination and regular check-ups after age 40 are important.

3. Cervical Cancer

  • Common symptoms: Bleeding after intercourse, foul-smelling discharge, irregular heavy bleeding, pelvic pain.

  • Red-flag sign: Visible growth or ulcer on the cervix during examination.
    👉 A simple Pap smear test can detect changes early, even before cancer develops.

4. Lung Cancer

  • Common symptoms: Persistent cough > 3 weeks, chest pain, blood in sputum, weight loss.

  • Red-flag sign: Coughing up blood in a smoker or someone with biomass exposure (such as cooking on wood/coal chulhas).
    👉 Smokers and people exposed to second-hand smoke should be extra careful.

5. Stomach Cancer

  • Common symptoms: Persistent upper abdominal pain, early satiety, nausea or vomiting, weight loss.

  • Red-flag sign: Vomiting blood (hematemesis) or black stools (melena).
    👉 Long-term acidity or gastric ulcer patients must monitor for these symptoms.

6. Colorectal Cancer

  • Common symptoms: Altered bowel habits, blood in stools, anemia, unexplained weight loss.

  • Red-flag sign: Blood mixed with mucus in stools with tenesmus (feeling of incomplete evacuation).
    👉 Any bleeding in stool after age 40 should not be dismissed as “piles” without proper evaluation.

7. Prostate Cancer

  • Common symptoms: Frequent urination at night, weak urine stream, difficulty starting/stopping urination, bone pain in advanced stage.

  • Red-flag sign: Hard, irregular prostate felt on digital rectal exam (DRE).
    👉 Men above 50 should discuss prostate screening with their doctors.

✅ Key Takeaway

  • Not every cough, ulcer, or pain means cancer.

  • But when symptoms persist beyond 3 weeks, are associated with bleeding, hardness, growth, or visible abnormality, they need urgent medical attention.

  • Early detection = Better treatment outcomes + Higher survival rates.

🌸 Remember: Your body gives signals. Don’t ignore them. Detect early, treat early, and save lives.

DR. M G Giriyappagoudar, Head, Anvita Health Care, a senior radiation oncologist has suggest consulting an oncologist immediately to rule out malignant nature of symptoms.

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