There are many different types of cancer, many with specific risk factors and early warning signs. Generally speaking, possible warning signs and risk factors may include:
Risk Factors for Cancer
- A family history of cancer
- Smoking or tobacco use (about 22% of all cancers are related to the use of tobacco)
- Age (the older you are, the more likely to develop cancer)
- Unhealthy diet, including high consumption of sugar
- Obesity and physical inactivity (the greater the couch-potato, the greater the cancer risk)
- Poor sleep habits (consistently failing to get adequate amounts of sleep)
- Exposure to radiation, chemical toxins and other environmental factors
- Changes in urination or bowel movements
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Lumps or thickened areas in the breast, testicles, or elsewhere
- Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
- Change in the size, color, shape, or thickness of a wart, mole, or mouth sore
- Cough or hoarseness that doesn't go away
- Persistent headaches
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained loss of appetite
- Persistent fatigue, nausea, or vomiting
- Persistent low-grade fever, either constant or intermittent
- Sores that don't heal
- Repeated infections
Only a medical professional can accurately diagnose cancer. If you do have any of the risk factors or warning signs, please consult your doctor or other medical professional.
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This article is part of an ongoing Health Warning Signs and Risk Factors series. The previous articles in this series are:
- Type II Diabetes - Warning Signs & Risk Factors
- Heart & Cardiovascular Disease - Warning Signs & Risk Factors
Information presented in these articles is collected from the following websites:
- American Diabetes Association
- American Cancer Society
- American Heart Association
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- National Institutes for Health
- Mayo Clinic
- WebMD
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