Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer can be difficult to diagnose, as there are often no obvious signs or symptoms in the early stages. Some people may experience very mild symptoms, while others may not experience any at all. Here we look at signs and symptoms of cancer by gender and types.

Always remember, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Routine screenings, early detection and treatment can greatly increase the chance of successful recovery.

• Unusual bleeding or discharge

  Any unusual bleeding from any orifice of the body may be a sign and symptom of cancer. Blood in the phlegm could be a sign of lung cancer. Blood in the stool (or a dark or black stool) could be a sign of colorectal cancer. Abnormal vaginal bleeding could indicate uterine, ovarian or cervical cancer. A bloody discharge from the nipple may be a sign of breast cancer.

• Thickening of lump in the breast or on other parts of the body

  Many cancers can be felt through the skin, particularly in the breasts, testicles, lymph nodes, and the soft tissues of the body. A lump or thickening may be an early or late sign of cancer and should be reported to a doctor, especially if you have just discovered it or noticed that it has grown in size. You may be feeling a lump that is at an early stage of cancer that may be treated successfully. Any lump or thickening on any part of the body should be reported to your doctor as this could be an early or late sign of cancer.

• Change in bowel habits or bladder function

  Chronic constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the size of your stool may indicate colon cancer. Pain with urination, blood in urine, or a change in bladder function (such as more frequent or less frequent urination) may be related to bladder or prostate cancer. Any changes in bladder or bowel function should be reported to your doctor.

• Nagging cough or hoarseness

  A persistent cough may be a sign of lung cancer. Persistent hoarseness could be a sign of cancer of the larynx (voice box) or thyroid.

• Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing

  While they commonly have other causes, these symptoms may indicate cancer of the oesophagus, stomach, or pharynx (throat).

• Recent changes in a wart or mole

  Any change in the colour, shape, size or loss of definite borders of a wart or mole should be reported to your doctor immediately. It could be a sign of melanoma which, if diagnosed early, may be treated successfully.

• Sores that refuse to heal

  Sores on any part of the body which are difficult to heal, such as sores on the skin, vagina, or oral cavity, should be dealt with promptly and should not be overlooked.

• Unexplained weight loss or fever

  An unexplained weight loss of about 5kg may be the first sign of cancer, particularly cancers of the pancreas, stomach, oesophagus, or lung. Fever may be a symptom of cancer at an advanced stage of the disease.

• Persistent bone pain

  Bone pain could be the result of overexertion, injury, infection or cancer. An unexplained persistent pain should not be ignored as it may be a sign of cancer. When cancer has spread from its point of origin to other parts of the body, almost all patients with cancer will experience fever at some stage, particularly if the cancer or its treatment affects the immune system and reduces resistance to infection.

If you experience any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Early detection and treatment can save lives. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the risk factors associated with certain types of cancer such as genetics, lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking), and environmental factors (e.g., UV radiation).

Taking steps to reduce your risk can help prevent cancer or delay its onset. Regular check-ups are also important in order to identify any abnormalities as early as possible. Early detection and treatment can be key to successful outcomes.

Male

Men may develop some of the same signs and symptoms as female patients. However, they are also more prone to certain male-related conditions. These include:

• Urinary issues - such as difficulty starting or stopping urination, frequent urination, or blood in the urine or semen
• Swelling in the testicles
• Increased breast size, nipple discharge, or itchy rashes
• Persistent coughing
• Change in bowel habits

Female

Female cancer patients may experience some of the same signs and symptoms as male patients. However, they are also prone to certain conditions that are exclusive to women. These include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles - such as extremely heavy or light periods, missed periods, or bleeding between periods
• Vaginal discharge that is thick or has a strange odour
• Pain during intercourse
• Unusual swelling or lumps in the breast, armpit, or groin area
• Abdominal distension, or swelling

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Difficulty starting or stopping the urinary stream
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Frequent urges to urinate, especially at night
• Bone pain in advanced disease
• Blood in the urine or semen

Men above 50 years can consider biannual Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test to screen for prostate cancer.

Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer incidence is gradually decreasing in Singapore, especially those that arise in mid and lower parts of the stomach. However, cancer in the upper part of stomach and lower part of esophagus is increasing. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Blood in the stool or vomit

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that can affect women. Common signs and symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• Vaginal bleeding or discharge between periods
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
• Unusually heavy or long menstrual period

Females, aged 9 to 26, are recommended to get the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.

It is also important for women, aged 25 and above, who have engaged in sexual intercourse or are sexually active to have regular Pap smears to help detect the disease early.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is often a silent form of cancer. This means that many women do not experience any symptoms until the disease has advanced. Common signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• Abnormal bloating or swelling in the abdomen
• Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food
• Pelvic pain or pressure, or back pain
• Unexplained changes in bowel habits, like constipation
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area
• Changes in the size, shape, or texture of a breast
• Changes to the nipple such as a discharge or redness
• Swelling or pain in the armpit or chest area
• Itching or scaling of the nipple

Regular self-examination and annual mammograms are recommended for women who are 40 years of age and above.

Colorectal/ Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the most common form of cancer in men and second most common in women in Singapore. Common signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:

• A change in bowel habits such as diarrhoea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days
• Blood in the stool (either bright red or very dark)
• Feeling tired or weak
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, or discomfort

Routine screening is the most effective way to detect colon cancer early on. Colonoscopies are recommended for people over the age of 50. Those at a higher risk may need to be screened more frequently.

Mouth and Throat Cancer

Mouth and throat cancer can be difficult to detect, as the symptoms may often go unnoticed. Common signs and symptoms of mouth and throat cancer include:

• Sore in the mouth or on the tongue that does not heal
• White patches or red spots in the mouth
• Pain when chewing or swallowing
• Voice changes
• Unusual lumps in the neck
• Unexplained weight loss

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and there are several warning signs to be aware of. Common symptoms of skin cancer include:

• Sores that do not heal
• Changes in the size or colour of a mole
• A growth that bleeds, oozes, or crusts over
• Unusual patches or lesions on the skin

Proper sun protection, such as wearing sunscreen and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, is also essential for preventing skin cancer.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer can be difficult to detect in the early stages. Common signs and symptoms of chest cancer include:

• Coughing up blood
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Pain in the chest or shoulder
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness
• Swelling in the face, neck, and arms