The body’s early signals: warning signs that should not be ignored

Our bodies and minds have an amazing ability to tell us when something is changing or disrupting the natural balance. We often sense small changes, but in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we overlook them, considering them temporary or insignificant.

In fact, it is these subtle, early signs that can help detect a disease in its early stages, when treatment is most effective. It is important to remember that with any suspicion or prolonged symptom, it is wisest to seek advice from a specialist.

Below are some of the early warning signs that may, in certain cases, be associated with the development of cancer. They are not a diagnosis, but they are a signal to pay attention to your health.

If weight loss occurs without changes in your diet, physical activity, or lifestyle—and it happens quickly and noticeably—it’s a sign that shouldn’t be ignored.

Possible diseases in which sudden weight loss may occur:

• oncological processes in the stomach, pancreas or liver (affect digestion and metabolism)

• lung or esophageal cancer (decreased appetite, difficulty swallowing)

• diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma (disorders in the functioning of the immune system and metabolic processes)

Of course, weight loss can have other causes—hormonal changes, chronic infections, stress—but sudden, unexplained weight loss always deserves medical attention.

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2. Constant fatigue and weakness

This isn’t just tiredness after a long day or lack of sleep. When you feel exhausted and don’t get better with rest or sleep, it could be a symptom of an internal problem.

Diseases associated with chronic fatigue:

• leukemia and lymphoma

• diseases of the stomach or intestines that cause internal bleeding → anemia

• liver function disorders that alter metabolic processes

Fatigue can increase gradually, be combined with irritability, difficulty concentrating, or a feeling of “emptiness.” All of this is a reason for an examination.

The skin is often the first to “talk” when something is going on in the body. New spots, changes in texture, unusual growths — these are all signs that require monitoring.

Pay attention to:

• Moles with irregular shape, changed size or color — may be a sign of melanoma

• wounds that do not close for a long time – possible skin cancer

• yellowing of the skin or eyes — often a sign of liver or pancreas problems

• dark spots, severe itching, or thickening of the skin — may reflect internal disorders

It is important to regularly examine your skin, especially if you have a fair complexion, many moles, or a family history of skin diseases.

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4. Chronic pain

Persistent pain that comes back again and again or gets worse over time, even without exertion, is a sign to get tested.

Types of diseases that can cause persistent pain:

• bone cancer or bone metastases → bone pain, increased risk of fractures

• brain tumors → persistent headaches, nausea, visual disturbances

• ovarian or bowel cancer → abdominal or pelvic pain

• lung cancer → chest pain that worsens when breathing or coughing

Not all pain means cancer — but any pain that lasts more than a few weeks should be looked at by a specialist.

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5. Lumps or unusual swellings

Small lumps under the skin are not always worrisome, but there are a number of signs that require examination.

Pay attention if:

• the seal is growing

• it becomes painful

• the skin over it turns red

• does not go away for more than two weeks

• is solid and immobile

Regular self-examination of the breasts and testicles is especially important, as early detection significantly improves the prognosis.

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When to seek help?

If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, do not delay consulting a doctor. Early diagnosis is one of the most important factors for successful treatment.

Listen to your body—it often knows first.

When should I call my doctor?