Akinsanmi 5 - Feb 2024

10 Early Warning Signs of Cancer You Shouldn't
Ignore.
By Dr. Lawrence Akinsanmi
Cancer, a word that strikes fear into the hearts of many, is a complex and
often misunderstood disease. It's a leading cause of death worldwide, but
early detection can significantly improve the chances of successful
treatment and survival. Recognizing the early warning signs of cancer can
be a crucial step in getting a timely diagnosis. Here, we discuss ten
often-overlooked symptoms that should not be ignored.
1. Unexplained Weight Loss: If you're losing weight without trying, it could

be a sign of cancer. Unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more may be
the first sign of cancer, particularly cancers of the pancreas, stomach,
esophagus, or lung.
2. Persistent Fatigue: We all get tired from time to time, but constant
fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest can be a concern. This kind of
exhaustion can be a symptom of several cancer types. If you're
experiencing unrelenting fatigue, it's worth discussing with your doctor.
3. Chronic Cough or Hoarseness: A cough that doesn't go away or a

hoarse voice that lingers can be signs of lung, throat, or thyroid cancer.
While it may be something as simple as an allergy, persistent symptoms
warrant a check-up.
4. Changes in Bowel Habits: Long-term changes in bowel habits, such as

constipation, diarrhea, or a change in stool size, can be an indication of
colon cancer. Blood in the stool, which might not always be visible, should
also be taken seriously.
5. Persistent Pain: Pain is the body’s way of signaling that something is

wrong. Persistent pain, particularly in the back or lower abdomen, can be a
symptom of ovarian or colorectal cancer. Any unexplained or prolonged
pain should be investigated.
6. Changes in the Skin: This includes not just moles that change in size,
shape, or color, but also sores that don’t heal, which can be an early sign of
skin cancer. An increased thickness or lump in the breast or other parts of
the body could indicate cancerous growth.
7. Difficulty Swallowing: Struggling to swallow or a feeling that food is

getting stuck in your throat can be a sign of throat or esophageal cancer.
It's especially significant if it gets progressively worse.
8. Unusual Bleeding: Unexplained bleeding, whether it's in urine, from the

rectum, vagina, or coughing up blood, can be a symptom of cancer. For
example, blood in the stool is a common sign of colon or rectal cancer.
9. Persistent Fever or Night Sweats: A fever that doesn't go away can be

a sign of leukemia or another blood cancer. Night sweats can also be a
symptom of some cancers.
10. Lumps or Thickening: Any new lumps or thickening in the body,

especially if they're growing or painful, should be checked out. This can be
an early sign of cancer, particularly breast, testicular, lymphatic, and soft
tissue cancers.
Remember, having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily

mean you have cancer. Many of these symptoms can be caused by benign
conditions. However, if you have persistent symptoms, it’s important to see
a healthcare professional for an evaluation. Early detection is key in the
fight against cancer, and your health is too important to ignore these signs.
In conclusion, listening to your body and being aware of changes can make
a significant difference in early cancer detection. If you notice any of these
symptoms, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. Early
intervention can be the difference between a treatable condition and one
that’s far more serious.
Taking charge of your health is a powerful step towards preventing and

fighting cancer. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and remember, you are your
best advocate for your health.
Lawrence Akinsanmi, M.D., Ph.D., is a seasoned Clinical Development

professional with more than two decades of experience in drugs,
biologics, cellular genetics, and biomarkers. He is currently the Chief
Medical Officer at Actinobac Biomed Inc. He previously served as the
Head of Clinical Sciences & Global Clinical Development (Oncology)
at Hutchison Medipharma Inc (HengRui USA Inc). He also served as
Head, Early Development & Global Lead, Experimental Medicine at
Bayer HealthCare Corporation. He is a member of American Society of
Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), American
Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), American
Association for Cancer Research (AACR), American Society of
Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and American Society of Hematology.

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10 Early Warning Signs of Cancer You Shouldn't

By Dr. Lawrence Akinsanmi

1. Unexplained Weight Loss: If you're losing weight without trying, it could

3. Chronic Cough or Hoarseness: A cough that doesn't go away or a

4. Changes in Bowel Habits: Long-term changes in bowel habits, such as

5. Persistent Pain: Pain is the body’s way of signaling that something is

7. Difficulty Swallowing: Struggling to swallow or a feeling that food is

8. Unusual Bleeding: Unexplained bleeding, whether it's in urine, from the

9. Persistent Fever or Night Sweats: A fever that doesn't go away can be

10. Lumps or Thickening: Any new lumps or thickening in the body,

Remember, having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily

Taking charge of your health is a powerful step towards preventing and

Lawrence Akinsanmi, M.D., Ph.D., is a seasoned Clinical Development

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