Symptoms

Common symptoms of cancer and when to talk to a doctor.

Symptoms
A Cough That Won't Go Away
When a lasting cough or hoarseness can be a warning sign, and when to see a doctor. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Are High Platelets a Sign of Cancer?
A calm guide to high platelets: common causes, when cancer is considered, and what to ask a doctor.
6 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Are Night Sweats a Sign of Cancer?
The NHS has a specific definition of a night sweat, and it is not just feeling warm. Here is what counts, what usually causes it, and when to see your doctor.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Are Night Sweats a Sign of Lymphoma?
Night sweats usually come from menopause, infections, or a warm room — not lymphoma. Here is the pattern that is more worth checking.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Are Nosebleeds a Sign of Cancer?
A calm guide to nosebleeds: common causes, when cancer is considered, and what to ask a doctor.
6 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Are Seizures a Sign of a Brain Tumor?
A first seizure always gets looked into, and a brain scan is part of that. Here is when to call 911, and where a tumor fits on the list.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Are Vision Changes a Sign of Cancer?
Losing sight suddenly is an emergency. New flashes and floaters are urgent. Here is how MedlinePlus sorts eye symptoms, and where cancer fits.
6 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Can Vitamin B12 Deficiency Be a Sign of Cancer?
Vitamin B12 deficiency usually has non-cancer causes such as diet, medicines, or absorption problems. Learn about the pernicious anemia and stomach cancer link.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Changes in a Mole or Skin
When a changing mole or skin spot can be a warning sign of skin cancer, and when to see a doctor. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits
When lasting changes in bowel or bladder habits can be a warning sign of cancer, and when to see a doctor. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
COPD, Asthma, or Lung Cancer? Sorting Out Symptoms
COPD, asthma, and lung cancer share cough, wheezing, and breathlessness. Learn which symptom changes deserve re-evaluation and who qualifies for lung screening.
6 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Costochondritis or Cancer? Chest Wall Pain Explained
Chest pain has many causes. Learn how costochondritis differs from chest pain that needs a cancer workup, and which symptoms need help right away.
8 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Difficulty Swallowing: When to Get It Checked
When ongoing trouble swallowing can be a warning sign of cancer, and when to see a doctor. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Groin pain that switches sides: what the pattern means
Inner groin pain that moves from side to side, day to day, is a pattern worth understanding, and why it still deserves a check by a clinician.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
How Cancer Symptoms Differ in Men and Women
Common cancer symptoms and how some relate to body parts that differ between men and women. Based on National Cancer Institute resources.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Breast Lump a Sign of Cancer?
Most breast lumps are harmless, but every one needs a doctor's appointment rather than a trip to the ER. Here is what happens at the breast clinic.
6 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Breast Lump Always Cancer?
Most breast lumps are not cancer — they are cysts or benign changes. Here is what makes a lump more worth checking. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Change in Bowel Habits a Sign of Cancer?
Changes in bowel habits usually come from diet, stress, or infection — not cancer. Here is when a lasting change is worth checking.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Change in Stool Shape a Sign of Cancer?
Narrow or pencil-thin stools: what really changes stool shape, when to get checked, blockage warning signs, and when a colon check makes sense.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Changing Mole a Sign of Cancer?
A normal mole usually stays the same. A mole that changes size, shape or color should be seen by a doctor. Here is what to look for and photograph.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Cough That Won't Go Away a Sign of Lung Cancer?
A lingering cough is usually from a cold, allergies, or asthma — not lung cancer. Here is when a cough is more worth checking.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Headache a Sign of a Brain Tumor?
Most headaches are not caused by a brain tumor. Here is what usually causes them, and the signs that need a call.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Hoarse Voice a Sign of Cancer?
A hoarse voice is usually from a cold or strain, not cancer — but hoarseness that has not improved in two weeks is worth checking.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Mouth Ulcer a Sign of Mouth Cancer?
Most mouth ulcers are harmless canker sores. A mouth sore that lasts more than two weeks is worth checking. Based on NIH, NCI and American Cancer Society sources.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Neck Lump a Sign of Cancer?
Swollen glands explain most neck lumps and settle in one to two weeks. Here is which ones need a doctor's appointment, and which ones need help now.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Persistent Cough a Sign of Cancer?
Most coughs clear within 3 weeks. MedlinePlus says to contact a provider for a cough lasting longer than 10 to 14 days, and right away for blood in phlegm.
6 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Rash a Sign of Cancer?
Most rashes are not cancer. Learn which skin changes are more worth checking and how to describe them to a clinician.
3 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Sore That Won't Heal a Sign of Cancer?
A skin sore that won't heal or keeps coming back, or a mouth ulcer lasting more than 3 weeks, is a reason to see your primary care doctor or dentist.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Sore Throat a Sign of Cancer?
A sore throat is almost always from an infection, not cancer. But a sore throat that does not go away is worth checking. Based on NCI, ACS and MedlinePlus.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Swollen Lymph Node a Sign of Cancer?
Swollen lymph nodes are usually a sign your body is fighting an infection, not cancer. Here is when to check. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a Testicular Lump a Sign of Cancer?
A painless lump and sudden severe pain are two different problems on two different clocks. Here is what US and UK health services say about each, and what the scan settles.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is a White Patch in the Mouth a Sign of Cancer?
A white patch that won't rub off is called leukoplakia, a description, not a diagnosis. What it can be, why red patches worry doctors more, and next steps.
7 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is an Unexplained Fracture a Sign of Cancer?
A bone that breaks under force it should have handled: osteoporosis, myeloma, bone metastasis, and the spinal cord warning signs that cannot wait.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Anemia a Sign of Cancer?
Anemia is a finding to explain, not a diagnosis. Where the iron went, which symptoms need urgent care, and why some people are offered a camera test.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Arm or Leg Swelling a Sign of Cancer?
Swelling in an arm or leg has many causes, including blood clots, infection and lymphedema. Here is when to get help.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Back Pain a Sign of Cancer?
Back pain is one of the most common complaints there is, and is very rarely caused by cancer. Here is what usually causes it and when to check.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Being Tired All the Time a Sign of Cancer?
Constant tiredness is very common and usually has everyday causes, not cancer. Here is when fatigue is more worth checking.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Bloating a Sign of Cancer?
Bloating is usually digestive and benign, but persistent or progressive bloating can be a symptom worth checking.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Bloating a Sign of Ovarian Cancer?
Bloating is very common and rarely means ovarian cancer — but persistent, new bloating is worth checking. Here is the difference.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Blood in Sputum a Sign of Cancer?
Blood in phlegm has many causes, most not cancer. When MedlinePlus says to get help, what a clinician will ask, and where lung cancer fits.
8 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Blood in Your Stool a Sign of Cancer?
Blood in the stool can be caused by hemorrhoids, small tears and other conditions besides cancer, but it should always be checked. Here is why.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Blood in Your Stool Always a Sign of Cancer?
Blood in the stool is most often caused by common, non-cancer problems like hemorrhoids. It is still worth checking.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Blood in Your Urine a Sign of Cancer?
Blood in the urine can come from infections, stones and other causes, but it can also be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. Get it checked. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Bone Pain a Sign of Cancer?
Is bone pain a sign of cancer: the spinal cord compression red flag, the common non-cancer causes, which cancers reach bone, and the tests that settle it.
8 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Breast Pain a Sign of Cancer?
Breast pain is usually not breast cancer, but persistent, focal, or unusual pain should be checked, especially with a lump or skin change.
3 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Coughing Up Blood a Sign of Cancer?
Is Coughing Up Blood a Sign of Cancer: common causes, cancer-related possibilities, and what to track before a visit.
6 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Ear Pain a Sign of Cancer?
Most earache is an ear problem. The pattern that worries doctors is one-sided pain with a normal-looking ear, especially alongside throat symptoms.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Feeling Full Quickly a Sign of Cancer?
Early fullness matters when it is frequent, not when it is dramatic. The American Cancer Society uses more than 12 times a month. Here is what to count and what to report.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Feeling Full Quickly a Sign of Stomach Cancer?
Feeling full fast is often linked to indigestion or reflux. Here is when the pattern is worth checking. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Frequent Heartburn a Sign of Cancer?
Heartburn is very common and rarely cancer — but long-standing, frequent heartburn is worth checking. Here is why. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Frequent Urination a Sign of Cancer?
Going more often is common and rarely cancer. Blood in your pee is the part to get checked promptly, even once. Here is how the two differ and what to track.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is High Calcium a Sign of Cancer?
High blood calcium is a lab result, not a symptom. Overactive parathyroid glands are the most common cause, and cancer is one of several others.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Itchy Skin a Sign of Cancer?
Itchy skin is almost always from dryness or a rash, not cancer. Here is the rare pattern worth checking. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Jaundice a Sign of Cancer?
Yellowing of the skin or eyes can have liver, bile duct, blood, medicine, or cancer-related causes. It should be evaluated.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Jaw Pain a Sign of Cancer?
Jaw pain has three urgent causes that are not cancer, including a heart attack. Here is how each one presents and what a dentist or doctor checks.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Losing Weight Without Trying a Sign of Cancer?
Unexplained weight loss has many causes, most not cancer — but losing weight without trying is worth checking. Here is why.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Loss of Appetite a Sign of Cancer?
Loss of appetite is common and usually has non-cancer causes, but ongoing appetite loss with weight loss or early fullness should be checked.
3 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Loss of Balance a Sign of a Brain Tumor?
Sudden unsteadiness and slowly worsening unsteadiness are different problems. One is a stroke question, the other is what raises the brain tumor question.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Mouth Numbness a Sign of Cancer?
Numbness that starts in seconds is a stroke question. Numbness that stays in one spot for weeks is a dental one. Here is how the two are told apart.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Nausea a Sign of Cancer?
Nausea is common and usually not cancer. Learn when persistent nausea, vomiting, appetite changes, or weight loss should be checked.
6 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Needing to Pee Often a Sign of Prostate Cancer?
Frequent urination in men is usually a normal enlarged prostate, not cancer. Here is the difference and when to check. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
6 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Nipple Discharge a Sign of Cancer?
Nipple discharge does not always mean cancer, but spontaneous, bloody, clear, one-sided, or single-duct discharge should be evaluated.
3 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Pelvic Pain a Sign of Cancer?
Pelvic pain is usually not cancer, but new, persistent, or worsening pelvic pain deserves a check. Here are the patterns worth noticing.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Persistent Indigestion a Sign of Cancer?
Indigestion that keeps coming back: how to tell it from heart pain, which warning signs matter, and when a doctor may suggest endoscopy.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Postmenopausal Bleeding a Sign of Cancer?
Any bleeding a year or more after your last period needs checking by a doctor. Here are the real odds, the usual causes and the tests.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Rectal Bleeding a Sign of Cancer?
With bleeding from the bottom, the color and the amount decide how fast you need to be seen. Here is when to call 911 and when to call your doctor, plus what a doctor checks and why.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Shortness of Breath a Sign of Cancer?
Shortness of breath has many common causes. Cancer can be one cause, especially if it is new, worsening, or paired with other symptoms.
6 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Stomach or Belly Pain a Sign of Cancer?
Belly pain is very common and most often not serious. Here is what can cause it and the signs that need a call. Based on NCI and MedlinePlus.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Testicular Pain a Sign of Cancer?
Sudden severe testicular pain is a surgical emergency, not a cancer question. Testicular cancer more often shows up as a painless lump you can feel.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Trouble Swallowing a Sign of Cancer?
New trouble swallowing is a reason to call your doctor soon, not to wait and see. Here is why, what the direction of change means, and what gets tested.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Unexplained Bruising a Sign of Cancer?
A bruise is bleeding into the skin. Here is how to tell it from redness, which marks need checking, and what MedlinePlus advises.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Vaginal Bleeding After Sex a Sign of Cancer?
Bleeding after sex is usually the cervix, not the womb. It is a reason to see a doctor. Your screening history and menopause status change what happens next.
6 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Vaginal Discharge a Sign of Cancer?
Discharge changes with infection, hormones and the cycle. The patterns that get a closer look are watery, bloody or foul-smelling discharge that persists.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Is Vulvar Itching a Sign of Cancer?
Vulvar itching is usually a skin or yeast problem. The pattern that needs an exam is itching that does not get better, especially with a visible skin change.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Lumps and Swelling: When to See a Doctor
When a new lump or swelling can be a warning sign of cancer, and when to see a doctor. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Menopause Symptoms or Cancer? How to Tell the Difference
How typical menopause symptoms differ from cancer symptoms, which changes overlap, and why any bleeding after menopause deserves a prompt medical check.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Night Sweats: When They Can Be a Cancer Sign
When heavy night sweats can be a warning sign of cancer, and when to see a doctor. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Persistent Fatigue: When It's a Warning Sign
When ongoing tiredness that rest does not fix can be a warning sign, and when to see a doctor. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Persistent Pain: When It's a Warning Sign
When ongoing, unexplained pain can be a warning sign of cancer, and when to see a doctor. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Should You Worry About a Lump?
Most lumps are not cancer — they are cysts, swollen glands, or fatty growths. Here is what makes a lump more worth checking.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Sores That Don't Heal: A Possible Cancer Sign
When a sore that will not heal can be a warning sign of cancer, and when to see a doctor. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Symptoms of Cancer: What to Watch For
A plain-language overview of common symptoms that cancer may cause and when to see a doctor, based on National Cancer Institute resources.
6 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Unexplained Fever: When It Can Signal Cancer
When a fever with no clear cause can be a warning sign of cancer, and when to see a doctor. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Unexplained Weight Loss: A Warning Sign
Why losing weight without trying can be a warning sign worth checking, and when to see a doctor. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Unusual Bleeding or Bruising
When unexpected bleeding or easy bruising can be a warning sign of cancer, and when to see a doctor. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
Warning Signs of Cancer: What to Watch For
A plain-language overview of common possible warning signs of cancer and why most are caused by something less serious. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
When Should You Worry About a Mole?
Most moles are harmless. The ABCDE guide helps you spot the few changes worth checking for skin cancer. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
When Should You Worry About a Symptom?
A calm, plain-language guide to when an everyday symptom is worth getting checked — and why most symptoms are not cancer.
5 min read · Beginner
Symptoms
When to See a Doctor About Symptoms
A plain-language guide to deciding when a symptom is worth getting checked, without panic. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner

Articles about Symptoms

A Cough That Won't Go Away

Are High Platelets a Sign of Cancer?

Are Night Sweats a Sign of Cancer?

Are Night Sweats a Sign of Lymphoma?

Are Nosebleeds a Sign of Cancer?

Are Seizures a Sign of a Brain Tumor?

Are Vision Changes a Sign of Cancer?

Can Vitamin B12 Deficiency Be a Sign of Cancer?

Changes in a Mole or Skin

Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

COPD, Asthma, or Lung Cancer? Sorting Out Symptoms

Costochondritis or Cancer? Chest Wall Pain Explained

Difficulty Swallowing: When to Get It Checked

Groin pain that switches sides: what the pattern means

How Cancer Symptoms Differ in Men and Women

Is a Breast Lump a Sign of Cancer?

Is a Breast Lump Always Cancer?

Is a Change in Bowel Habits a Sign of Cancer?

Is a Change in Stool Shape a Sign of Cancer?

Is a Changing Mole a Sign of Cancer?

Is a Cough That Won't Go Away a Sign of Lung Cancer?

Is a Headache a Sign of a Brain Tumor?

Is a Hoarse Voice a Sign of Cancer?

Is a Mouth Ulcer a Sign of Mouth Cancer?

Is a Neck Lump a Sign of Cancer?

Is a Persistent Cough a Sign of Cancer?

Is a Rash a Sign of Cancer?

Is a Sore That Won't Heal a Sign of Cancer?

Is a Sore Throat a Sign of Cancer?

Is a Swollen Lymph Node a Sign of Cancer?

Is a Testicular Lump a Sign of Cancer?

Is a White Patch in the Mouth a Sign of Cancer?

Is an Unexplained Fracture a Sign of Cancer?

Is Anemia a Sign of Cancer?

Is Arm or Leg Swelling a Sign of Cancer?

Is Back Pain a Sign of Cancer?

Is Being Tired All the Time a Sign of Cancer?

Is Bloating a Sign of Cancer?

Is Bloating a Sign of Ovarian Cancer?

Is Blood in Sputum a Sign of Cancer?

Is Blood in Your Stool a Sign of Cancer?

Is Blood in Your Stool Always a Sign of Cancer?

Is Blood in Your Urine a Sign of Cancer?

Is Bone Pain a Sign of Cancer?

Is Breast Pain a Sign of Cancer?

Is Coughing Up Blood a Sign of Cancer?

Is Ear Pain a Sign of Cancer?

Is Feeling Full Quickly a Sign of Cancer?

Is Feeling Full Quickly a Sign of Stomach Cancer?

Is Frequent Heartburn a Sign of Cancer?

Is Frequent Urination a Sign of Cancer?

Is High Calcium a Sign of Cancer?

Is Itchy Skin a Sign of Cancer?

Is Jaundice a Sign of Cancer?

Is Jaw Pain a Sign of Cancer?

Is Losing Weight Without Trying a Sign of Cancer?

Is Loss of Appetite a Sign of Cancer?

Is Loss of Balance a Sign of a Brain Tumor?

Is Mouth Numbness a Sign of Cancer?

Is Nausea a Sign of Cancer?

Is Needing to Pee Often a Sign of Prostate Cancer?

Is Nipple Discharge a Sign of Cancer?

Is Pelvic Pain a Sign of Cancer?

Is Persistent Indigestion a Sign of Cancer?

Is Postmenopausal Bleeding a Sign of Cancer?

Is Rectal Bleeding a Sign of Cancer?

Is Shortness of Breath a Sign of Cancer?

Is Stomach or Belly Pain a Sign of Cancer?

Is Testicular Pain a Sign of Cancer?

Is Trouble Swallowing a Sign of Cancer?

Is Unexplained Bruising a Sign of Cancer?

Is Vaginal Bleeding After Sex a Sign of Cancer?

Is Vaginal Discharge a Sign of Cancer?

Is Vulvar Itching a Sign of Cancer?

Lumps and Swelling: When to See a Doctor

Menopause Symptoms or Cancer? How to Tell the Difference

Night Sweats: When They Can Be a Cancer Sign

Persistent Fatigue: When It's a Warning Sign

Persistent Pain: When It's a Warning Sign