Doc shares 5 common signs you may have cancer

Do you feel tired all the time? So tired that no one believes you, and it gets dismissed as laziness? Well, maybe it's time to look deeper. These signs, which often get dismissed as everyday health issues, could perhaps hint, something more. Dr. Tim Tiutan, an oncology hospitalist who treats cancer patients has now shared 5 signs of cancer, which often gets dismissed as common illnesses.

“Although cancers can present in different ways, including without any symptoms at all, here are some common signs,” Dr. Tim says in a video shared on Instagram.

Losing weight unintentionally

Dr. Tim noted that unintentional weight loss is a sign of cancer. If you're shedding weight without trying, it's time to dig deeper. Losing weight without making any changes to your diet or exercise routine is an alert, which means it’s time to pay attention. Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of various types of cancer.



Feeling tired all the time

Do you feel exhausted all the time? Tired even after getting proper sleep? Everyone feels tired sometimes, but if you're constantly exhausted, even after a full night's sleep, it might be more than just stress or a busy schedule. Dr. Tim shares that ‘constantly feeling tired despite sleeping’ is a sign of cancer. Persistent fatigue is a common symptom in many cancer patients.


Chronic night sweats and fevers

For any type of cancer, early diagnosis is crucial. It provides the patient with better treatment options, and thereby increasing quality of life after recovery. While constant night sweats or fever can be symptoms of common infections, it may also be a sign of cancer. Chronic and unexplained night sweats or low-grade fevers could point to certain cancers like lymphoma.
Lumps in the body

Finding lumps in areas such as the neck, underarms, or chest can be alarming and for good reason. Dr. Tim says ‘feeling lumps in the body like in the chest or neck’ may be a sign of cancer. These lumps could be swollen lymph nodes or tumors and it is important to get it checked by a doctor immediately.

Rectal bleeding

Bleeding during bowel movements is often brushed off as hemorrhoids. However, it is important to pay attention if the bleeding persists or worsens. Don't think of it as just diet changes or upset stomach. Rectal bleeding could be a sign of colorectal cancer..

Dr. Tim adds, “Due to the ambiguity, it's important to follow up with your health providers to do a workup if needed, although, many diseases can also present with these symptoms.”

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important not to ignore them, even if they seem minor. Consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and peace of mind. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), early detection of cancer increases the chances for successful treatment. Early diagnosis also known as downstaging and screening are the two components of early detection of cancer. Early diagnosis focuses on detecting symptomatic patients as early as possible so they have the best chance for successful treatment. When cancer care is delayed or inaccessible there is a lower chance of survival, greater problems associated with treatment and higher costs of care. Meanwhile screening involves testing healthy individuals to detect cancer before any signs or symptoms develop.