General Warning Signs
- Unexplained weight loss of 10 lbs (4.5 kg) or more
- Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- Fever or night sweats without a clear cause
- Persistent pain
- Skin changes: a new mole or a mole that changes shape, color or size
Site-Specific Symptoms
Breast
A lump, skin dimpling, nipple changes or discharge.
Lung
A cough lasting over 3 weeks, coughing blood, shortness of breath.
Colorectal
Change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, iron-deficiency anemia.
Blood cancers
Easy bruising, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes.
Head & neck
A sore that won't heal, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing.
Urinary
Blood in urine, frequent or painful urination.
When to See a Doctor
See your doctor if a symptom lasts more than two to three weeks, keeps coming back or gets worse. Seek emergency care for coughing or vomiting blood, sudden severe pain, or new neurological symptoms.
Medically reviewed content for education only — not a substitute for advice from your oncology team.