20 Early Signs Your Body is Fighting Cancer

Indirect Symptoms

Cancer can manifest in many ways, and not all symptoms are directly related to the primary tumor or affected area. Indirect symptoms of cancer are those that may arise due to the body’s response to the disease or its impact on other systems. These symptoms can be subtle or mimic other conditions, making them easy to overlook. Understanding these indirect symptoms is essential for early detection and timely intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes for those affected by cancer.

1. Wheezing/shortness of breath

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Lung cancer patients remember noticing this as one of their first symptoms but didn’t initially connect it to cancer.

2. Frequent fevers or infections

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Frequently a sign of leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells that starts in bone marrow. It causes the marrow to produce abnormal white blood cells that hinder your body’s infection-fighting abilities.

3. Difficulty swallowing

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Most commonly associated with throat cancer, but could also be a good indicator of lung cancer.

4. Weakness and fatigue

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Such a common symptom of cancer that it should be looked at in combination with other symptoms to determine which it is.

5. Feeling full and unable to eat

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This is a sign of ovarian cancer. A loss of appetite even when you haven’t eaten for a while is a tip-off.

6. Anorexia

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This could be an early sign of pancreatic cancer. A sudden disgust for coffee, wine or smoking can be linked to this as well.

Visible Bodily Changes

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Cancer can cause visible changes in the body, which can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. These changes may include alterations in skin appearance, unexplained weight loss or gain, or swelling in certain areas. Being aware of these visible bodily changes can help individuals recognize potential warning signs of cancer and seek medical attention promptly. Early detection is key to successful treatment, making it crucial to understand and monitor any noticeable changes in the body.