The ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic led to many people missing their regular health checkups, raising concerns about the detection of serious conditions like cancer. While the pandemic continues to be a significant health challenge, cancer remains a critical issue, often proving to be more manageable when detected early. In these times, when routine clinic visits may be limited, it’s important to be vigilant about monitoring for common warning signs of cancer at home. Additionally, advancements in cancer treatment, such as the use of Opdivo, have shown promise in managing certain types of this disease, emphasizing the importance of early detection and consultation with healthcare professionals for appropriate treatment options. This list below identifies some of the common warning signs of cancer that should not be overlooked:

1. Bloating
Bloating is common in healthy people too, but only if it is occasional. If a person feels bloated for more than two weeks at a stretch, it is a red flag. Bloating is one of the common warning signs of ovarian and gastrointestinal cancers.

2. Pelvic or abdominal pain
Women tend to have uncomfortable cramps and occasional irregular periods. But if there is a constant change in their monthly cycle or if the cramps are persistent, it is a cause of concern as it could signal uterine, ovarian, or cervical cancer.

3. A significant change in bathroom habits
This is another common warning sign of cancer. People who experience sudden and consistent bowel changes, such as an increase in the frequency of urination, regular constipation, blood in the urine or stool, or black stool, should make a trip to their doctor for further investigation to rule out prostate, colon, or bladder cancer.

4. Difficulty swallowing
People who suddenly feel as if something is stuck in their throat or have pain while swallowing should get checked. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it could indicate lung, throat, or stomach cancer.

5. Frequent bruising
This is another common warning sign of cancer. If a person suddenly starts seeing many bruises at places that seem unnatural to be bumped, they should consult a doctor to rule out blood cancer.

6. Persistent cough
One should investigate any cough that lasts for more than 14 days as it could be a warning sign of lung cancer. The coughing happens when the cancerous cells begin to interfere with the lung’s normal functioning.

7. Changes in the mouth
Frequent sores and lesions in the mouth are a cause for concern. People who smoke or drink and have persistent sores and lesions that are painful could be at risk of oral cancer.

8. Changes in the breast
This is a common warning sign of breast cancer. It is essential to note that both women and men can develop the disease. One should keep a lookout for any new signs of discoloring, lumps, changes in or around the nipple area, dimpling, or discharge.

Cancer can be treated. However, people need to keep a lookout for any new changes or pain in specific body areas and get it evaluated by a doctor to rule out the disease.