Oncologists are urging individuals to be aware of subtle and often overlooked signs of cancer, emphasizing that early detection significantly improves prognosis. Dr. Christopher Cann, an oncologist and executive director of Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Young Adult Cancer program, suggests that environmental exposures like pesticides and PFAS, alongside dietary shifts and pollution, may contribute to rising cancer diagnoses.
Key Indicators to Monitor
Unintentional Weight Loss: A loss of more than 10 pounds over several weeks or months without dieting or increased exercise can signal underlying health issues, including cancer, according to Dr. Cann. This indicates significant stress on the body.
Chronic Fatigue: While fatigue is common, persistent exhaustion that interferes with daily life warrants medical attention. Dr. Cann notes that cancer can be a cause of such debilitating fatigue.
Changes in Urination: Men experiencing changes such as blood in urine, increased frequency, or a weaker stream should consult a doctor. While often indicative of benign prostatic hyperplasia, these symptoms can also be related to prostate tumors. Prostate cancer, which affects one in eight men in their lifetime, has effective screening and treatment options.
Altered Bowel Habits: Blood in stool is a critical warning sign, especially with rising colorectal cancer rates among young adults. Dr. Cann advises evaluation by a gastroenterologist, noting that what might be dismissed as hemorrhoids could be colon cancer. Black stool may indicate issues in the esophagus or stomach, while persistent changes like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or abdominal pain also require medical assessment, according to Dr. Monisha Singh, a gastrointestinal and gynecologic oncologist.
Difficulty Swallowing: Increased instances of esophageal and gastric cancers are being observed, potentially linked to alcohol, smoking, acid reflux, or genetic mutations. Dr. Cann highlights that difficulty swallowing, even without pain, necessitates a doctor's evaluation.
New or Changing Skin Spots: With increasing skin cancer rates, any new or changing mole, spot, or bump on the skin should be examined by a dermatologist. Skin cancer affects individuals of all ages and skin tones, and early detection, particularly for melanoma, is crucial.
Intense Night Sweats: While occasional night sweats can be normal, drenching sweats that require changing clothes indicate a potential problem that should be discussed with a physician. Dr. Singh notes that these can sometimes be a symptom of lymphoma.
Proactive Health Management
Oncologists stress the importance of staying current with recommended cancer screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap smears. Individuals with a family history of cancer may need to begin screenings earlier than the general population. Patients are encouraged to discuss their family medical history with their primary care providers to ensure appropriate screening schedules.
Beyond screenings, adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce cancer risk. This includes avoiding smoking and vaping, limiting alcohol consumption, regular exercise, and maintaining a balanced diet. If concerning symptoms arise, patients are advised not to delay seeking medical evaluation. Dr. Singh emphasizes advocating for oneself, even if it means seeking a second opinion or a new physician if one feels unheard.
“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,” Dr. Cann stated. “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.”