Cancer is a complex disease that can manifest in many ways, often with subtle signs that are easy to ignore. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, but warning signs can be vague or missed in less serious cases. Understanding these early symptoms can make a big difference in your outcome. Here are 15 early signs that cancer may be growing in your body.

Unexplained weight loss

Unexplained weight loss is one of the most common early signs of cancer. While slight fluctuations in weight are normal, losing 10 pounds or more without trying is a warning sign, especially for pancreatic, stomach, esophageal, and lung cancers. These symptoms may be caused by cancer cells using up more of the body’s energy or by changes in metabolism caused by the disease.

Persistent fatigue

While fatigue can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress or lack of sleep, persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest may be a sign of cancer. Fatigue is particularly associated with leukemia, colon cancer, and stomach cancer. It occurs when the body is working harder to fight off disease or because cancer uses up the body’s energy stores.

Fever
A recurring or persistent fever is often a sign that the immune system is under stress. While it’s common with infections, it can also be a sign of some cancers, especially blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Cancer-related fevers may come and go over time without other symptoms of the disease.