But even if you’re living a healthy lifestyle, you should be aware of cancer warning signs and symptoms and seek prompt medical attention to detect cancer early and minimize your risks. The key is to act early and not wait, hoping the symptoms go away on their own or because you may be embarrassed to see a doctor or don’t want to incur any unnecessary medical expenses.
“It’s human nature to kind of downplay symptoms,” says Anthony Perre, MD, Intake Physician at City of Hope Atlanta. But early detection can lead to better outcomes in a cancer diagnosis, he notes.
“You should talk to your doctor about any symptom that is new to you or has not changed,” he says. “And just because a symptom may have gone away or resolved itself doesn’t mean everything is OK. So, talk to your doctor about that as well.”
In this article we will list some common symptoms that could be early-stage cancer warning signs and when you should seek a professional medical opinion.
If you’re interested in getting screened for cancer or if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and want a second opinion, call us or chat online with a member of our team.
When to see a doctor about a symptom
Some symptoms sometimes associated with cancer, such as pain, heartburn or a lump or mole, are usually not caused by cancer at all. These symptoms and others are common and may be triggered by benign conditions. The key is being aware of changes in your body that just don’t seem right to you. It’s important to trust your instincts, especially if you are an older adult, and consider seeking medical advice.
