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20 Cancer Symptoms Women Are Likely to Ignore

Don't join the ranks of patients who realize too late that cancer symptoms they'd ignored could have sounded the alarm earlier, when disease was easier to cure.

By Melanie Haiken | Caring.com senior editor from ThirdAge.com
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1. Wheezing or shortness of breath

One of the first signs lung cancer patients remember noticing when they look back is the inability to catch their breath. "I couldn't even walk across the yard without wheezing. I thought I had asthma, but how come I didn't have it before?" is how one woman described it.

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2. Chronic cough or chest pain

Several types of cancer, including leukemia and lung tumors, can cause symptoms that mimic a bad cough or bronchitis. One way to tell the difference: The problems persist, or go away and come back again in a repeating cycle. Some lung cancer patients report chest pain that extends up into the shoulder or down the arm.

Also on ThirdAge.com: Menopause Symptoms May Prevent Breast Cancer

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3. Frequent fevers or infections

These can be signs of leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells that starts in the bone marrow. Leukemia causes the marrow to produce abnormal white blood cells, which crowd out healthy white cells, sapping the body's infection-fighting capabilities. Often, doctors finally catch leukemia in older adults after the patient has been in a number of times complaining of fever, achiness, and flu-like symptoms over an extended period of time.

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4. Difficulty swallowing

Most commonly associated with esophageal or throat cancer, having trouble swallowing is sometimes one of the first signs of lung cancer, too.

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5. Swollen lymph nodes or lumps on the neck, underarm, or groin

Enlarged lymph nodes indicate changes in the lymphatic system, which can be a sign of cancer. For example, a lump or an enlarged lymph node under the arm is sometimes a sign of breast cancer. A painless lump on the neck, underarm, or groin can be an early sign of leukemia.

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6. Excessive bruising or bleeding that doesn't stop

This symptom usually suggests something abnormal happening with the platelets and red blood cells, which can be a sign of leukemia. One woman with leukemia described bruising in strange places, such as on her fingers and hands, as well as red spots on her face, neck, and chest. Another noticed bleeding gums. The explanation: Over time, leukemia cells crowd out red blood cells and platelets, impairing the blood's ability to carry oxygen and clot.

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7. Weakness or fatigue

"I kept having to sit down at work, and one night I was too tired to drive home," said one woman in describing the fatigue that led her to discover she had leukemia. Generalized fatigue and weakness is a symptom of so many different kinds of cancer that you'll need to look at it in combination with other symptoms. But any time you feel exhausted without explanation and it doesn't respond to getting more sleep, talk to your doctor.

Also on ThirdAge.com: Physical Exercise May Improve Cancer Treatment

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8. Bloating or abdominal weight gain -- the "my jeans don't fit" syndrome

While this might sound too common a phenomenon to be considered a cancer symptom, consider this: Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer overwhelmingly report that unexplained abdominal bloating that came on fairly suddenly and continued on and off over a long period of time (as opposed to for a few days each month with PMS) is one of the main ways they knew something was wrong.

9. Feeling full or unable to eat
This is another tip-off to ovarian cancer; women say they have no appetite and can't eat, even when they haven't eaten for some time. Any woman who experiences noticeable bloating or weight gain numerous times (the diagnostic criteria is more than 13 times over the period of a month) -- especially if it's accompanied by pelvic pain or feeling overly full -- should call her doctor and ask for a pelvic ultrasound.

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10. Pelvic or abdominal pain

Taken by itself, pelvic pain can mean a lot of things. In fact, because it's a common symptom of fibroids, ovarian cysts, and other reproductive tract disorders, doctors don't always think of cancer when you describe pelvic pain. Make sure your doctor looks at all possible explanations and does a full exam, since pain and cramping in the pelvis and abdomen can go hand in hand with the bloating that often signals ovarian cancer. Leukemia can also cause abdominal pain resulting from an enlarged spleen.

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11. Rectal bleeding or blood in stool

"I thought it was hemorrhoids" is one of the most common things doctors hear when diagnosing colorectal cancer. Blood in the toilet alone is reason to call your doctor and schedule a colonoscopy.

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12. Unexplained weight loss

If you notice the pounds coming off and you haven't made changes to your diet or exercise regime, you need to ask why. Weight loss is an early sign of colon and other digestive cancers; it's also a sign of cancer that's spread to the liver, affecting your appetite and the ability of your body to rid itself of wastes.

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13. Upset stomach or stomachache

As simple as it sounds, a good old-fashioned bellyache is what tipped off a number of lucky folks, whose doctors ordered ultrasounds and discovered early that they had tumors on their livers. Stomach cramps or frequent upset stomachs may indicate colorectal cancer; many cancer patients say their doctors thought they had ulcers.

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14. A red, sore, or swollen breast

Everyone knows to check for lumps in the breasts, but too often overlooked are symptoms closer to the surface, which can indicate inflammatory breast cancer. Some women described noticing cellulite-like dimpled skin on an area of the breast. Others noticed that a breast felt swollen, hot, or irritated. Red or purplish discoloration is also cause for concern. Call your doctor about any unexplained changes to your breasts.

15. Nipple changes
One of the most common changes women remember noticing before being diagnosed with breast cancer is a nipple that began to appear flattened, inverted, or turned sideways. "My nipple started looking like it was turned inside out," said one woman. In addition, inflammatory breast cancer also causes nipple problems, such as itchy, scaly, or crusty skin on the nipple -- so take any nipple changes seriously.

Also on ThirdAge.com: Breast Cancer Prevention: A Top 10 List

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16. Unusually heavy or painful periods or bleeding between periods

Many women reported this as the tip-off to endometrial or uterine cancer. Unfortunately, many women also said their doctors weren't responsive, overlooking or misdiagnosing their complaints as normal perimenopause. Ask for a transvaginal ultrasound if you suspect something more than routine heavy periods.

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17. Swelling of facial features

Some patients with lung cancer report noticing puffiness, swelling, or redness in the face. The explanation for this is that small cell lung tumors commonly block blood vessels in the chest, preventing blood from flowing freely from the head and face.

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18. A sore or skin lump that doesn't heal, becomes crusty, or bleeds easily

Most of us know to watch moles for changes that might indicate skin cancer. But other signs, such as small waxy lumps or dry scaly patches, are easier to miss. Familiarize yourself with the different types of skin cancer -- melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma -- and be vigilant about checking skin all over the body for odd-looking growths or spots.

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19. Changes in nails

Unexplained changes to the fingernails can be a sign of several types of cancer. A brown or black streak or dot under the nail can indicate skin cancer, while newly discovered "clubbing" -- enlargement of the ends of the fingers, with nails that curve down over the tips -- can be a sign of lung cancer. Pale or white nails can be an indication that your liver is not functioning properly, sometimes a sign of liver cancer.

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20. Pain in the back or lower right side

As vague as this sounds, many cancer patients say this was the first sign of liver cancer, known as one of the "silent killers" (another is ovarian cancer). Breast cancer is also often diagnosed via back pain, which can occur when a breast tumor presses backward into the chest, or when the cancer spreads to the spine or ribs.

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Your Comments

  • Ann Priebe

    Easy to read and understand. thanks.

  • Why_complain?

    I complained of 9 of these symptoms to a wide variety of doctors (different types) for a number of years and still they did not catch my cancer until I broke a rib and it did not heal. I was already in stage 4 at that point, with cancer in my lungs, liver, kidney, spine, under my arm.

    • Pjdxxxwa

      One word:   lawsuit if you can provide witnesses that you told them.  PEOPLE:  Keep a journal of what you go to the doctor for (let them know it) and you will get better treatment.  A journal is a dated legal document a the court of law.  

      • Jim Smith

         Lawsuits just drive up the price of healthcare…

        • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1075883989 Suzanne Morss

          Lawsuits also keep bad doctors in check.  This industry is self-policing…always a bad idea.  BTW, doctors in this country get paid better than in any other, by far.  They also have to pay for very expensive education, unlike in most other industrialized nations.  If education costs were controlled, and higher education was offered to everyone, you would see a dramatic decline in healthcare costs.

          • mglesh

            And . . . lots of very good doctors have to pay exorbitant insurance premiums. Lawsuits have to be kept in check. Most, not all, are frivolous and have no merit.

    • Pjdxxxwa

      One word:   lawsuit if you can provide witnesses that you told them.  PEOPLE:  Keep a journal of what you go to the doctor for (let them know it) and you will get better treatment.  A journal is a dated legal document a the court of law.  

    • Pjdxxxwa

      One word:   lawsuit if you can provide witnesses that you told them.  PEOPLE:  Keep a journal of what you go to the doctor for (let them know it) and you will get better treatment.  A journal is a dated legal document a the court of law.  

    • Kim Carson

      scary stuff, praying for all good things for you, why_complain?

  • Lilycoolcat

    Another sign that is often ignored:  Blood in urine (especially with no pain.) A symptom of bladder cancer…and often ignored and/or misdiagnosed.

    • Anne Griffey

      I feeel sympothy for anyone going through a medical obsticles. I know it is not easy from experience. You are your best advocate and the sad truth is sometimes you have to go to many doctors to be diagnosed. Look for top doctors, I went to Dr after Dr. before a very large rare tumor was discovered, growing at least half my life and the “Top Doctors” and “Top Hospitals” did not fidn it until I scheduled back surgery, which thank Jesus, pre-op testing found the tumor, the size of a grapefruit. It;s unfortunate that chronic pain and illness comes with a stigma but with sponsers, people that have a better understanding due to illness or a loved one battling a medical mystery, you might feel a sense of peace. Keep your head up to all!!!!
      Ok, I have had blood in urine for quite some time, stopped after tumor was removed but now it’s back and has been again, still undiagnosed really but signs keep pointing to infection, kidney disease or cancer. Now, last time I did a lot of research all symptoms pointed tumors, cancer or urelogic disease, includign kidney stones. I’ma bit concerend but don;t want to seem like a hypocopndriac either. Everyone was about to think I was crazy until the tumor was discovered and it validated my concerns. So keep your head up and let me know if anyone knows the real causes of blood in urine or what I should discuss with my doctor. Still in chronic pain almost 2 years after the tumor was removed from my sacrum-pelvis but still have a bad back and arthritis so I can imagine how some of you must feel. Vent to someone you can trust an whom is not judgemental.

    • weshallovercomb

      Yes…but I’ve had blood in my urine diagnosed almost every time I’ve gone to my PCP, scared to death BUT I also have small kidney stones and one smal stone stuck right at opening of my urethra and that is why I’m bleeeding says my doc.

  • Lilycoolcat

    Another sign that is often ignored:  Blood in urine (especially with no pain.) A symptom of bladder cancer…and often ignored and/or misdiagnosed.

  • Younghippiechick

    Very informative.  Thank you so much for this easy to read and easy to understand information.

  • Fran Norris-Thompson

    Excellent information

  • Rachel D

    At age three, my mother noticed I didn’t heal from bruising so much so that bruises that were a month old often had two or three others on top of the first. My grandmother insisted they take a blood test when the doctor said nothing was wrong. When the doc said no- they went to another doctor for an emergency blood panel. Two weeks later, I was transferred to Cedars Sinai in Beverly Hills. 24 years later, my grandmother still take credit for being the one to insist on a cancer screening. Despite the great publicity for breast, ovarian and colon cancers- Leukemia is still one of the top killers of children. It’s silent, deadly and kids often can’t understand how to explain their pains or aches. This was the first article I’ve read that included Leukemia. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/tiffanny.cato1 Tiffanny Cato

    omg, i have 8 out of 20 symptoms!

  • Dreamweavers

    Well, now that we are all paranoid about our every slight symptom being cancer, thanks!

  • Inda

    thank you for the clarity..Excellent information.

  • Anonymous

    If you have hemorrhoid(s) – make sure you get them checked by your doctor. Thought I had one – my GP couldn’t be bothered to look at it. Simply gave me a routine referral to a rectal surgeon. TWO MONTHS later, I finally saw that doctor. It turned out to be anal cancer. I was undergoing treatment (radiation & chemo) when Farrah Fawcett died of it. Contrary to what the media said when writing about Ms. Fawcett – it IS NOT a rare cancer. In fact, it is increasing in occurrence. The primary group is Caucasian women in their 50s and 60s.

  • Mkamwangi

    Brief and easy to understand

  • Mkamwangi

    Brief and easy to understand

  • Mkamwangi

    Brief and easy to understand

  • Kathy

    Great article.  Wish I had seen it sooner. The ovarian cancer symptoms were right on point (bloating, abdominal pain).  My oncologist told me that the ovarian cancer symptoms don’t usually manifest until it’s already reached stage 3 (which was my case).  Luckily I was treated aggressively and am in remission.  Please get yourself checked if you have these symptoms, especially if ovarian cancer already runs in your family. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/delores.dee.boone Delores Kirkwood Boone

    PEOPLE:  Keep a journal of what you go to the doctor for (let them know it) and you will get better treatment.  A journal is a dated legal document a the court of law.  Flag

  • http://www.facebook.com/delores.dee.boone Delores Kirkwood Boone

    PEOPLE:  Keep a journal of what you go to the doctor for (let them know it) and you will get better treatment.  A journal is a dated legal document a the court of law.  Flag

  • http://www.facebook.com/delores.dee.boone Delores Kirkwood Boone

    PEOPLE:  Keep a journal of what you go to the doctor for (let them know it) and you will get better treatment.  A journal is a dated legal document a the court of law.  Flag

  • Jen

    I’m a 17 year old female that is having serious chest pains. The pain has been occuring for more than a year now. How would i know if its cancer? If its not cancer then what is the other possiblities of my chest pain?

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002118837170 Ashtin Nicole

      Did you/do you smoke? One of my friends smoke for three months (not much, just sporadically) and she developed emphysema.

  • tracey Hurt

    This is great way to grab info.thank you.

  • COncerned

    This scares me…I have some of these symptoms and my doctor cannot find out what is going on with me! I keep seeing all these different doctors and no really reason for my symptoms have been given nor is there a diagnosis…I would hate to think that it is any of the above cancers!   

  • Diane

    I have been going in to doctors since I had a lap. gallbladder removal in 1993 due to a dysfunctional gallbladder (no stones). I am now really weak,in constant pain,infections,skin rash,chronic cough,and swelling.We have to go to ER a lot when the pain is out of control,sometimes they admit me for a few days or they will just admit IV’s and run a couple bags of fluid with antibiotics and my regular pain meds just more of it.The last hospital stay the releasing doctor told us it is an injury and it can be fixed just no one here is qualified to fix it,and I need to find a guru out of this area that can fix me.I do have 13-24 surgical staples in my liver area from that surgery.I do not know if that is the injury or not or if that is even normal.
     This morning I was watching Good Morning America and all these people are on there for weight loss and it kinda got to me I just wish there was some place for people like me to go to.I feel like I am sitting here dieing from this at the age of 50.Do you know where I can go to find a guru as they say?Thank you for you’re time!!!
                                                                              Diane

  • Rainbowconexion

    I have nails discoloration, the dermatologist, gave nail fungus cure, it doesnt work, & now I suffer hair loss severe daily fatigue, joint’s pains & head pain, tingling pain,

    Please help me what type of specialist Doctor should I seek, thank you very much.

    Lorie  

    • Darlyne

      Since I’ve been there, I recommend that you see a Naturopath [ND] to have your ‘Thyroid-Adrenal’ hormone functions checked. Hair loss, fatigue, odd pains, tingling and fungal growth can be related to imbalances with these essential hormones which greatly affect one’s overall metabolism. Endocrinologist’s are MD’s who specialize in the Endocrine system, but when I was devolving into the worst aspects of Chronic Fatigue-Fibromyalgia and said so, I was told by one I had called that she could not see me for two months and so far, this unreasonable wait has never been the case with a seasoned ND who, more holistically, will even consider and test for ‘all’ balanced functions of the body. Best of luck to you in finding this seriously necessary care in the near future.

    • http://twitter.com/StormyStars1 Jade M Repaye

      Endocrinologist and Neurologist: Sounds like a type of low thyroid functions that can be due to a permanent but treatable thyroid condition, or a short term low thyroid due to say a recent pregnancy. If you are borderline you can have severe symptoms yet your regular MD will not treat you, because it is temporary yet can become permanent if NOT treated. Vicious cycle. Your MD may tell you it does not need treating, tell your MD you are entitled to a 2nd, even a 3rd opinion as stated on the plaque on one of your MD’s walls,stating MD Ethics and Patient rights the MD is bound to uphold. Mmmm, could be diabetes of a form but you would STILL see an Endocrinologist whom usually needs to have a referral by your usual MD. Or an Obstetrician or Gynecologist to check out other hormone issues that can cause this but an Endocrinologist, a good one, will usually check ALL possible hormone imbalances, as well as check for Lupus and Sjogren’s Disease ( Pronounced Show-Gruns ). Naturally, Cancer is 1st ruled out. All these tests can be preformed in one day now and sometimes even the results can as well.
      I would not think of you having to see a Dermatologist or Naturalists as Skin conditions do not usually cause joint pain and only occasional EXTERIOR head pain. These conditions can be dangerous so it would be best to see a Neurologist before any Naturalist about any pathologies.
      An Endocrinologist and Neurologist are the best ways to go in my opinion and can also rule out multiple sclerosis (MS ) as tingling hands and feet can be a symptom of MS.

  • Chaoticlz

    My bad ex doctor sent me for toxoclogy screens 3x when I went to her with these symptoms.I still have no doctor to look after me.
    pS she also accused me of taking oxy contin bacause my tylenol 1′ showed up in the screen.I’ve known her for since I was 5 am no 46.

  • brittany

    why am i having these symptoms: uti, fever, headache, cough, lung pain, weezing, shortness of breath, full body pain, pain in my overies?

  • brittany

    why am i having these symptoms: uti, fever, headache, cough, lung pain, weezing, shortness of breath, full body pain, pain in my overies, rib pain?

  • Changasdiane

    Interestingly, #1 and #2 were my complaints for nearly 18 months before I was finally given a diagnosis of lung cancer: stage 4 non-small-cell adenocarcinoma. I was otherwise healthy and went to the doctor continually over that period of time. Chest x-ray after chest x-ray revealed “pneumonia” then “pleurisy”, then “asthma”, none of which I had. I was handed antibiotic after antibiotic, inhaler after inhaler. The third doctor I saw (and the second pulmonologist) finally actually read a CTscan I’d had and diagnosed me. Don’t talk to me about “early” diagnosis. I did everything I should have done and here I am 18 months into my treatment, hoping and praying to live long enough to see my grandbabies grow up. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Robyn-Mumford/656366763 Robyn Mumford

    Please take these seriously, it could save your life….

  • Pat MySecret

    I can relate about the perimenopause. my periods went on and on and got very fluid. I wrote it off as perimenopause to myself. I was very lucky a pap caught the problem, which they don’t always do, before it was too late. It was beginning stage endometrial cancer and I was able to reverse it w/hormones 9 years ago.

  • http://www.facebook.com/catherine.partin Catherine Partin

    There is another side to this story. Many people like me go to the doctors with frequent complaints of pain, fatigue, ect and for 3 years i went to the doctors and was told “its in your head” “you are making this up for attention”, “you are just drug seeking”. I finally found a doctor that listened and within a month I had lifesaving surgery. Its been three years now. I am still sickly but am cancer free.