10 Cancer Symptoms Most People Ignore

Lumps or bumps

It's best to have any strange lumps checked out by a doctor. In the survey, 7.5% of people reported an unexplained lump. While 67% did contact their doctors, 77% didn't think it could be a sign of something more serious.

Change in bowel habits

In Whitaker's study, 18% of people had experienced changes in the timing, amount, or size of their bowel movements While these disruptions are usually caused by certain foods or medication, if you notice it happens regularly over time, it could also be a sign of colon cancer.

Variation in bladder activity

Because urinary tract infections are common in women, this symptom is often disregarded as just another UTI. But whether you're male or female, if you notice blood in your urine, experience sudden urgency, or feel pain while going, definitely bring it up with your doctor to rule out cancers of the bladder, kidney, or prostate.

Unexplained pain

Persistent pain is your body's way of signaling a problem, and that could be anything from nothing...to bone cancer or ovarian cancer. The American Cancer Society says that pain from cancer typically means it has spread—a good reason not to be a stoic and to make an appointment with your physician. One striking finding from Whitaker's survey: Only about 40% of people in the study were concerned that pain could be a serious issue.

A long-lasting sore throat

A sore throat may be just another winter woe, but a persistent one could point to something more severe, such as laryngeal cancer or throat cancer. Of those surveyed, nearly 78% didn't think throat woes were serious.

Unexplained weight loss

The American Cancer Society reports that unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more could be a first sign of cancer. This warning sign is common in those with pancreatic, stomach, lung, or esophageal cancers.

Difficulty swallowing

Throat constriction—while an uncommon symptom in this survey—could be a nervous or immune system issue, or it could be a harbinger of conditions such as cancer in the esophagus, stomach, or throat.

Bleeding

Coughing up blood can signal lung cancer; blood in the stool could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Women who experience unexplained vaginal bleeding should be checked for cervical or endometrial cancer. A bloody discharge from the nipple can signal breast cancer, while blood in the urine can mean you have bladder or kidney cancer. Unusual bleeding can occur during any phase of cancer and warrants a visit to your doctor.

Changes in skin moles

Of the 7% of respondents who reported a change in a mole, freckle, or wart's appearance, only 47% contacted their doctors. What's more troubling, however, is that more than 88% didn't think the symptom was serious, though it could be indicative of skin cancer—which is often treatable.