Health Topics for Cancer

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

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Cancer Care of Iowa City

Seven Warning Signs of Cancer

The American Cancer Society has identified 7 symptoms which could be a sign of cancer.

• A change in bowel or bladder habits
• A sore that does not heal
• Unusual bleeding or discharge from any place
• A lump in the breast or other parts of the body
• Chronic indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
• Obvious changes in a wart or mole
• Persistent coughing or hoarseness

If you experience any of these warning signs, you should see your doctor right away.  It does not mean you have cancer, but it is a sign you should not ignore.

Below are lists of symptoms for various parts of the body.  It is important to note that the listed symptoms can also be a sign of a benign disease.  It does not necessarily mean that cancer is present.

Other symptoms to report to your doctor:

Prostate

• A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
• Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
• Inability to urinate
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Painful or burning urination
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in urine or semen
• Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

Colon

• Blood on the stool or in the toilet water
• Diarrhea alternately with constipation
• Persistent diarrhea or constipation
• Change in the size, shape of the stool
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Excessive/unusual gas, bloating
• Weight loss
• Weakness

Bladder

• Blood in the urine
• Burning with urination
• Bladder spasms/pain
• Intense urge to urinate