12 Early Warning Signs Your Body May Be Developing Cancer Cells

Headaches that don't respond to treatment may be related to brain tumors. Click to the next page.

4. Unusual Lumps or Swellings

A new lump under the skin, in the breast, neck, groin, or armpits may be one of the first symptoms of abnormal cell growth. Always have persistent lumps examined by a doctor.

5. Skin Changes

Your skin can reflect what's happening inside your body. Look out for:

Darkening, yellowing, or reddening of the skin

Wounds that don't heal

New or changing moles

These may be associated with skin cancer or internal cancers.

6. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness

A cough that lasts for more than three weeks, especially one with blood, may indicate lung or throat cancer. Hoarseness that doesn't improve can also be a warning sign. Click to the next page.

7. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

Sudden constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or changes in the frequency of urination may indicate colon, bladder, or prostate cancer.

8. Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing, a feeling that something is stuck in the throat, or frequent choking may be related to esophageal or throat cancer.

9. Frequent Infections or Slow Healing

When your immune system is weakened by cancer cells, wounds take longer to heal, and infections occur more frequently. Leukemia and blood cancers often present with this symptom.

10. Abnormal Bleeding or Discharge