Cancer: Seven Warning Signs

There usually are no signs or symptoms when cancer is in a very early stage. Sometimes early symptoms do not seem like anything serious. Learning what to look for can lead to early detection. Early detection of a cancer can often greatly increase the chances of a cure.

The American Cancer Society has identified 7 main warning signs of cancer:

• a change in bowel or bladder habits
• a sore that does not heal
• unusual bleeding or discharge from any part of the body
• a lump in the breast or other parts of the body
• indigestion that does not go away
• trouble swallowing
• changes in the way a wart or mole looks
• coughing or hoarseness that does not go away.

You should have a checkup soon if you have any of these warning signs. Having one of these warning signs does not mean you are sure to have cancer. However, if you do have cancer, early treatment greatly increases your chances of a cure.

To learn more about the warning signs of cancer, call your local chapter of the American Cancer Society, or call (800) ACS-2345 or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER.