• Published on: Sep 02, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Cancer Expert

What Are The First Signs Of Cancer?

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What are the first signs of cancer?

Depending on the type of cancer, specific signs and symptoms will vary. There is no single symptom or sign that always indicates cancer.

For example:

  • A mole may change including color, texture, thickness, and shape over time and these changes need to be monitored by a physician.
  •  Lumps in the breast may be discomforting or painful as well as noted distinct changes such as size, shape, or hardness.
  • A new cough that can't be cured can signal lung cancer which includes blood in phlegm circulation as well as an abrupt onset of coughing up clear mucus than thick blood-tinged mucus; shortness of breath; weakness; night sweats; fever & weight loss due to infectious complications from treatment

If you have any skin change, mole growth, sores in your mouth or on the outside of your body, or bleeding from anywhere including nosebleeds. You have no appetite and can't keep food down. Or there is weight loss in a short amount of time. Your breathing has a funny smell to it because you're not getting any oxygen into the lungs where there's supposed to be blood going through this way that's sign number two that something might be wrong because usually when somebody would have cancer, they'll notice these red marks on their bodies kind of like what I'm talking about if somebody had chickenpox before they would get these weather marks. And lastly for this one vomiting up blood or fresh blood from somewhere

The first signs of cancer might be a general sense of fatigue and lack of energy, which can come and go, and many patients won't know that this is something to worry about. Other symptoms include night sweats or problems with sleep due to pain or difficulty breathing. The most common problem people might notice is a change in bowel habits such as diarrhea alternating with constipation. There may also be warning signs such as coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, fevers that last more than three days without other cause (such as an infection), bleeding from the vagina in women who are not on their menstrual cycle (or vaginal bleeding after menopause), blurred vision without previous eye problems (which does not respond

Signs of cancer can include a unique smell coming from the mouth, swollen glands in the neck, a lump on a breast or testicle, tonsillitis with prolonged fever, and sensitivity to light.

But also, beware of false alarms! Some people have white patches on their tonsils or spotty saliva that they mistake for early signs of oral cancer. That's often because they have been abnormally dry from excessive inhalation of smoke-related toxins such as formaldehyde, chromium, and nickel. In most cases, these spots are nothing more than one side effect from this kind of chronic exposure - along with loss of taste sensation and dental problems - but it still does require medical attention.

Soon after, swelling in lymph nodes typically begins to develop under the arm or in the neck. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that are responsible for defending the body against infection. The high levels of lymphocytes cause them to congregate in certain areas, generating swollen lymph nodes which feel hard and moveable.

The first sign of cancer is bloody stool. If you are a suspect, speak to your doctor immediately. Second Medic consultation online will help you have a diagnosis of any diseases at the early stages so that treatment can be started in good time.

It depends on where the cancer is in your body, but some common first signs of cancer include painless lumps, swelling in one area that doesn't go away with time, unexplained weight gain or loss, easy bruising, or bleeding for no known reason. If you experience any of these symptoms you should consult a medical professional immediately.

The first sign of cancer is also when you don't feel well. Then, consult a medical professional urgently.

The most important step in preventing cancer is being proactive about your health. Cancer doesn't just happen out of nowhere, it's usually the culmination of bad lifestyle choices (smoking, overeating, not enough sleep) and neglecting oneself--our bodies are fragile machines that require constant upkeep. If we find ourselves feeling bad for an extended period of time then there may be something beyond our control at play--seek medical attention ASAP to get down to the root cause!

The first signs of cancer are typically the formation of a lump, such as a tumor. Lumps can be painless and yet still lead to potential health problems. If you suspect that you have any type of abnormal swelling or lumps in your breast or another area, contact your physician immediately.

The next thing to note is the color and feel of the skin:

  • Is there an unnatural change in skin color?
  • Are skin lesions present?
  • Do you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding anywhere on your body?

Are there new areas on your skin that appear discolored and blotchy? These could be patches from birthmarks too but it's best to get them checked out by a dermatologist

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Insomnia in Teens and How to Manage It

Insomnia in Teens and How to Manage It

Sleep is essential for growing teens, yet many struggle to get enough of it. From school stress to social media scrolling, teenagers today face multiple challenges that affect their sleep. One of the most common sleep disorders among adolescents is insomnia—the inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested.

In this blog, we’ll break down the causes, effects, and simple strategies to handle insomnia in teens and how to manage it naturally.

 

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get quality rest. Teens with insomnia often feel tired during the day, even if they’ve spent enough time in bed.

There are two main types:

  • Short-term insomnia: Lasts for a few days or weeks, often triggered by stress or changes in routine.
     

  • Chronic insomnia: Occurs at least three times a week for over three months.
     

 

Why Is Insomnia Common in Teens?

Teenagers go through many physical, emotional, and social changes. All these factors can disturb their sleep:

1. Hormonal Shifts

During puberty, the sleep hormone melatonin is released later at night. This shifts the body clock, making teens naturally want to sleep and wake up later.

2. Screen Time

Excessive use of phones, tablets, or laptops before bedtime exposes the brain to blue light, which delays melatonin release and interferes with sleep.

3. Academic Stress

Homework, exams, and performance pressure can cause anxiety and overthinking at night, preventing restful sleep.

4. Caffeine Intake

Energy drinks, tea, coffee, and cola consumed in the evening can make it difficult to fall asleep due to their stimulating effects.

5. Mental Health Issues

Anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are often linked with poor sleep in teens.

 

Signs of Insomnia in Teenagers

  • Difficulty falling asleep at night
     

  • Waking up multiple times during the night
     

  • Feeling tired or sleepy during the day
     

  • Irritability or mood swings
     

  • Trouble focusing in school
     

  • Frequent headaches or stomach issues
     

  • Increased use of stimulants (coffee, energy drinks)
     

 

How Insomnia Affects Teens

Sleep deprivation can harm a teen's physical and mental health. Here are a few ways it affects their well-being:

  • Poor concentration in school
     

  • Weakened immunity
     

  • Increased risk of depression and anxiety
     

  • Weight gain due to hormonal imbalance
     

  • Risky behaviors due to impaired judgment
     

Teens who consistently sleep less than 7–8 hours are more likely to face emotional and academic challenges.

 

Natural Ways to Manage Insomnia in Teens

Thankfully, insomnia doesn’t always need medication. Many teens can improve their sleep with simple lifestyle changes.

1. Set a Regular Sleep Schedule

Encourage going to bed and waking up at the same time every day—even on weekends. This helps reset the body’s internal clock.

2. Limit Screen Time Before Bed

Avoid phones, TVs, and tablets at least 1 hour before bedtime. Use “night mode” or blue light filters if screen use is necessary.

3. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Deep breathing, meditation, gentle yoga, or reading a book before bed can calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep.

4. Watch Food and Drink

Avoid heavy meals, sugar, or caffeine in the evening. A light snack like warm milk, bananas, or almonds can promote better sleep.

5. Get Daily Exercise

Physical activity during the day can improve sleep quality—but avoid intense workouts right before bedtime.

6. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Use blackout curtains, soft bedding, and remove distractions like phones or bright lights.

 

When to See a Doctor

If your teen’s insomnia lasts longer than 3 weeks or affects their daily life, school, or mood, it’s important to consult a doctor or sleep specialist. Underlying conditions like anxiety, ADHD, or depression might need professional care.

 

Lab Tests That May Help

If your teen complains of constant fatigue or disrupted sleep, you might consider lab tests to rule out medical reasons such as:

  • Thyroid Function Test (for hormonal imbalance)
     

  • Vitamin D & B12 Tests (deficiency can affect sleep)
     

  • Stress Hormone Panel (Cortisol)
     

  • Iron Levels (especially in girls)
     

These tests are available through diagnostic providers like Thyrocare on platforms like SecondMedic.

 

Helping Teens Build Healthy Sleep Habits

As a parent, here’s how you can support better sleep:

  • Encourage open conversations about school pressure or emotional issues.
     

  • Set boundaries for screen use, especially at night.
     

  • Make the home environment calm and supportive before bedtime.
     

  • Lead by example—follow healthy sleep habits yourself.
     

 

Quick Tips for Teens

  • Sleep 8–10 hours every night
     

  • Don’t study in bed
     

  • Use a sleep diary or app to track sleep patterns
     

  • Avoid naps longer than 30 minutes in the day
     

  • Try journaling to clear the mind before sleep
     

 

Conclusion

Teenage insomnia is more common than many people realize. Fortunately, with the right support, structure, and healthy routines, it can be managed without medication.

If your teen shows signs of poor sleep, don’t ignore it. Better sleep leads to better mood, focus, and health.

So, if you’re wondering how to support better sleep for your child, remember to understand insomnia in teens and how to manage it the natural way—with empathy, good habits, and expert care when needed.

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