Cancer diagnoses are increasing, and while the exact reasons are not fully understood, environmental factors like pesticides and plastics, along with dietary shifts, are considered potential contributors, according to oncologists. Experts emphasize the importance of recognizing common but often missed signs of cancer and seeking prompt medical evaluation.
"You know your body better than anybody else," said Dr. Christopher Cann, an oncologist and executive director of Fox Chase Center’s Young Adult Cancer program. "If you think there is something wrong, try your best to advocate for yourself."
Common Yet Overlooked Signs
Unintentional weight loss of 10 pounds or more over several weeks to months can signal significant bodily stress, potentially including cancer.
Chronic fatigue, particularly when it impacts daily life, work, or quality of life, warrants medical assessment. While fatigue is common, persistent and debilitating exhaustion can be a symptom of cancer among other potential causes.
Changes in urination, such as blood in the urine, increased frequency, or a weaker stream, are particularly important for men to report. While often indicative of benign prostatic hyperplasia, these symptoms can also be related to prostate tumors.
Blood in stool is a well-known red flag, especially with rising colorectal cancer rates in young adults. However, black stool, which can indicate issues in the esophagus or stomach, and persistent changes in bowel habits like increased constipation or diarrhea, bloating, or abdominal pain, should also prompt a doctor's visit.
Difficulty swallowing, where the act becomes noticeably harder but not necessarily painful, can be a sign of esophageal or gastric cancers, potentially linked to lifestyle factors like alcohol or smoking, or sporadic mutations.
New or changing spots on the skin, including moles or bumps, are a cause for concern, as skin cancer rates are on the rise across all age groups and skin tones. Early detection, especially for melanoma, is crucial for better outcomes.
Intense night sweats that lead to drenching and require changing clothes are not typical and should be discussed with a physician, as they can be a presentation of conditions like lymphoma.
Risk Reduction and Self-Advocacy
Experts recommend staying current with recommended cancer screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and pap smears. Individuals with a family history of cancer may need to start screenings earlier than the general population.
Lifestyle choices also play a role in lowering cancer risk. These include avoiding smoking and vaping, limiting alcohol consumption, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Should any concerning symptoms arise, oncologists stress the importance of not delaying or ignoring them. "If you run into a barrier where you feel like the doctor is not listening to you, you have to either advocate for yourself or get a second opinion," said Dr. Monisha Singh, a gastrointestinal and gynecologic oncologist. "You want to keep pushing until you make sure everything’s OK."
For patients facing healthcare hurdles, advocating for oneself or seeking a second opinion is vital. "If you feel like something is just not quite right, listen to your body ... and seek out medical evaluation just so we can be sure," added Cann. "And if it comes up as nothing, that provides you the reassurance that you’re doing all the right things. It’s never wrong to seek that out."