Since 70% of all breast cancer is detected by self-examination, and the earlier it is discovered, the greater the likelihood of a favorable result, knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is absolutly essential.<\/p>\n

15 Cancer Symptoms Women Shouldn’t Ignore<\/strong>
\nBy Linda Rath
\nWebMD Feature Reviewed by Sujana Movva, MD
\nWomen’s bodies are always changing. Sometimes changes that seem normal can be signs of cancer, though.
\nThe key is to pay attention to your body so you can notice when something’s different, says Robyn Andersen, PhD, of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. “New symptoms indicate something has changed in your body, and you want to know what that means.”
\nSo, what should you watch for?<\/p>\n

1. Breast changes<\/strong>
\nMost breast lumps aren’t cancer, but your doctor should always check them. Let her know about these changes, too:
\nSkin dimpling or puckering
\nNipples that turn inward
\nNipple discharge
\nRedness or scaling of your nipple or breast skin
\nTo look for the cause of your symptoms, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history. You may also have tests like a mammogram or a biopsy, when doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue for testing.<\/p>\n

2. Bloating<\/strong>
\n“Women are natural bloaters,” says Marleen Meyers, MD, an oncologist at NYU Langone Medical Center. “It’s OK to wait a week or two to see if it goes away.”
\nIf your symptoms don’t get better with time, or if they happen with weight loss or bleeding, see a doctor. Constant bloating can sometimes mean ovarian cancer. You’ll have a pelvic exam as well as blood tests, and sometimes an ultrasound, to look for the cause of the problem, Andersen says.<\/p>\n

3. Between-Period Bleeding<\/strong>
\nIf you\u2019re still getting periods, tell your doctor if you\u2019re spotting between them. Bleeding that\u2019s not a part of your usual monthly cycle can have many causes, but your doctor will want to rule out endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of your uterus).
\nBleeding after menopause is never normal and should be checked right away.<\/p>\n

4: Skin Changes<\/strong>
\nA change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other spot is a common sign of skin cancer. See your doctor for a thorough exam and perhaps a biopsy. This is one time you don’t want to wait, Meyers says.<\/p>\n

5. Blood in Your Pee or Stool<\/strong>
\nTalk to your doctor if you’re bleeding from a part of your body that normally doesn’t, especially if the bleeding lasts more than a day or two, Meyers says.
\nBloody stool is often from hemorrhoids, but it can also be a symptom of colon cancer. Bloody urine is usually the first sign of cancer of the bladder or kidneys, says Herbert Lepor, MD, a urologist at NYU’s Langone.<\/p>\n

6. Changes in Lymph Nodes<\/strong>
\nLymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands around the body. Most changes in them come from common infections. But some cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, can also cause lymph nodes to swell.
\nIt’s a good idea to see your doctor if you have a lump or swelling anywhere in your body that lasts a month or more, Meyers says.<\/p>\n

7. Trouble Swallowing<\/strong>
\nOccasional trouble swallowing is nothing to worry about. But when it happens often, especially with vomiting or weight loss, your doctor may want to check you for throat or stomach cancer.
\nHe’ll look into your symptoms with a throat exam and a barium X-ray. During a barium test, you drink a special liquid that makes your throat stand out on the X-ray.<\/p>\n

8. Weight Loss Without Trying<\/strong>
\nMost women wish extra pounds would magically melt away. But losing 10 pounds or more without a change in your diet or exercise habits could signal a problem.
\nMost unintended weight loss is not cancer, Meyers says. “It’s often caused by stress or your thyroid, but it can be a sign of pancreatic cancer,” she says. Stomach and lung cancers are also possible.
\nYour doctor may ask for a lot of tests to look for a problem, including blood tests and imaging tests, like a CT scan.<\/p>\n

9. Heartburn<\/strong>
\nToo much food, alcohol, or stress (or all three) can cause serious heartburn. Meyers suggests that you change your diet for a week or two to see if your symptoms get better.
\nIf that doesn’t help, talk to your doctor. Heartburn that doesn’t go away or gets worse could mean cancer of the stomach, throat, or ovaries.<\/p>\n

10. Mouth Changes<\/strong>
\nIf you smoke, watch for white or bright-red patches inside your mouth or on your lips. Both can signal oral cancer. Ask your doctor or dentist about tests and treatment.<\/p>\n

11. Fever<\/strong>
\nA fever that doesn\u2019t go away and can’t be explained could mean leukemia or another blood cancer. Your doctor should get the details of your medical history and give you a physical exam to check for the cause.<\/p>\n

12. Fatigue<\/strong>
\nA lot of women are tired because they lead hectic lives. But extreme tiredness that won\u2019t go away isn\u2019t normal.
\nTalk to your doctor if your fatigue never gets better or if you have other symptoms, like blood in your stool. Your doctor will ask for your complete medical history and give you blood tests.<\/p>\n

13. Cough<\/strong>
\nMost coughs go away on their own in 3 to 4 weeks. Don’t ignore one that lasts longer than that, especially if you smoke or are short of breath. If you cough up blood, go to the doctor. A cough is the most common symptom of lung cancer.<\/p>\n

14. Pain<\/strong>
\nCancer doesn\u2019t cause most aches. But ongoing pain can signal bone, brain, or other cancers. Ask your doctor about any unexplained aches that last a month or longer.<\/p>\n

15. Belly pain and Depression<\/strong>
\nIt\u2019s rare, but belly pain plus depression can be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Should you worry? Not unless pancreatic cancer runs in your family, Meyers says. “Then you need a prompt [exam].”
\n