• 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

Read Blog
Diabetes symptoms

Diabetes Symptoms in Men: Early Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health challenges worldwide, and men are particularly vulnerable to its long-term complications. In India, the burden of diabetes has increased sharply over the past two decades, driven by lifestyle changes, sedentary habits and dietary patterns. Despite this, many men remain unaware of early diabetes symptoms or delay medical consultation until complications develop.

Understanding diabetes symptoms in men is essential for early diagnosis, effective management and prevention of serious health consequences.

 

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by high blood sugar levels due to:

  • insufficient insulin production
     

  • ineffective insulin action
     

  • or both
     

The most common form affecting men is type 2 diabetes, which is strongly linked to lifestyle factors.

 

Why Men Are at Higher Risk

Several factors increase diabetes risk in men:

  • higher abdominal fat accumulation
     

  • smoking and alcohol consumption
     

  • irregular eating patterns
     

  • work-related stress
     

  • lower healthcare-seeking behaviour
     

According to Indian Council of Medical Research data, a significant proportion of men remain undiagnosed until advanced stages.

 

Early Diabetes Symptoms in Men

Frequent Urination

Excess sugar in the blood causes kidneys to work harder, leading to increased urination, especially at night.

 

Excessive Thirst

Frequent urination leads to dehydration, causing constant thirst.

 

Fatigue and Weakness

Cells cannot utilise glucose efficiently, resulting in low energy levels and persistent tiredness.

 

Unexplained Weight Changes

Men may experience unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased appetite.

 

Increased Hunger

Insulin resistance prevents glucose from entering cells, triggering frequent hunger.

 

Diabetes Symptoms Unique or Commonly Seen in Men

Erectile Dysfunction

Diabetes damages blood vessels and nerves, leading to erectile dysfunction.

Studies show a strong association between diabetes and male sexual health problems.

 

Reduced Testosterone Levels

Men with diabetes often have lower testosterone, affecting libido, muscle mass and mood.

 

Decreased Muscle Strength

Poor glucose utilisation affects muscle health and physical stamina.

 

Skin and Infection-Related Symptoms

Slow-Healing Wounds

High blood sugar impairs wound healing, increasing infection risk.

 

Frequent Infections

Men with diabetes are more prone to:

  • skin infections
     

  • urinary tract infections
     

  • fungal infections
     

 

Vision and Nerve Symptoms

Blurred Vision

Fluctuating blood sugar affects eye lenses, causing blurred vision.

 

Tingling or Numbness

Nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, causes tingling or numbness in hands and feet.

 

Why Diabetes Symptoms Are Often Ignored by Men

Many men dismiss symptoms as:

  • work-related fatigue
     

  • ageing
     

  • stress
     

This delay increases the risk of complications.

 

Long-Term Complications of Untreated Diabetes

If untreated, diabetes can lead to:

  • heart disease
     

  • kidney failure
     

  • nerve damage
     

  • vision loss
     

  • sexual dysfunction
     

According to WHO and Lancet studies, early detection significantly reduces complication risk.

 

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis allows:

  • better blood sugar control
     

  • lifestyle modification
     

  • prevention of organ damage
     

Routine screening is crucial, even in the absence of symptoms.

 

When Should Men Get Tested?

Men should consider testing if they:

  • are over 30 years old
     

  • have a family history of diabetes
     

  • are overweight
     

  • have a sedentary lifestyle
     

  • experience any warning signs
     

Annual screening is recommended for at-risk individuals.

 

Managing Diabetes After Diagnosis

Effective management includes:

  • healthy diet
     

  • regular physical activity
     

  • weight control
     

  • stress management
     

  • medical treatment as advised
     

Early management improves quality of life.

 

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare focuses on:

  • early screening
     

  • lifestyle intervention
     

  • regular follow-up
     

According to NITI Aayog, preventive strategies are essential to control India’s diabetes burden.

 

Mental Health and Diabetes in Men

Diabetes can affect mental wellbeing, leading to:

  • stress
     

  • anxiety
     

  • depression
     

Addressing emotional health improves diabetes outcomes.

 

Breaking the Stigma Around Men’s Health

Men often avoid seeking help due to stigma.

Promoting awareness helps:

  • normalise health conversations
     

  • encourage timely medical care
     

  • reduce preventable complications
     

 

Conclusion

Diabetes symptoms in men often develop gradually and may go unnoticed for years. Frequent urination, fatigue, unexplained weight changes and sexual health issues should never be ignored. Early diagnosis and timely management significantly reduce the risk of serious complications and improve long-term health outcomes. Awareness, routine screening and proactive healthcare are essential steps for men to protect their health and wellbeing in an era of rising lifestyle diseases.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Diabetes Epidemiology and Risk Studies
  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Diabetes Prevention and Management Guidelines
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Diabetes Prevalence in Men
  • Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology – Male-Specific Diabetes Outcomes
  • NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Reports
  • Statista – Global Diabetes Trends and Gender Differences

 

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