What to watch for: Losing 10 pounds or 5% of your body weight without trying, over 6-12 months.
Why it happens: Cancer cells compete for nutrients, and some cancers alter metabolism.
Common cancers linked: Pancreatic, lung, stomach, esophageal.
When to worry: If you haven’t changed your diet or exercise routine.
2. Persistent Fatigue
What to watch for: Exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest. Sleep doesn’t fix it. Coffee doesn’t touch it.
Why it happens: Blood loss, metabolic changes, or the body’s constant effort to fight something.
When to worry: If rest doesn’t restore you—for weeks.
3. Unexplained Pain
What to watch for: Pain that persists without injury. A headache that won’t quit. Back pain that doesn’t respond to rest. Pain that wakes you at night.
When to worry: Persistent, unexplained pain—especially if it’s new and doesn’t go away.
4. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness
What to watch for: A cough that lingers for weeks. Hoarseness that doesn’t improve. Coughing up blood (even a little).
When to worry: If you’re a smoker or former smoker, this deserves special attention. But anyone with a persistent cough should be evaluated.
5. Changes in Bowel Habits
What to watch for: