The most effective way to stop cancer before it spreads and worsens is to recognize its symptoms at the earliest possible stage. Some types of cancer cannot be detected through routine screenings or medical tests.

In such cases, the only way to identify them is by paying attention to certain early warning signs your body may show.

Since a woman’s body differs from a man’s, certain cancers are unique to women. This makes it especially important to recognize the symptoms of cancers that affect women.

Identifying these signs, however, can be challenging because cancer is not a single disease but a collection of different diseases, each capable of producing a wide range of symptoms.

The symptoms vary depending on the location of the cancer, its size, and the extent to which it impacts nearby organs or tissues. Additionally, cancer cells consume a significant portion of the body’s energy and may release substances that alter how the body processes energy from food.

In this article, we highlight key symptoms of cancer in women that should never be ignored. Read on to learn more about the early warning signs that could help in timely detection.

# Wheezing or Shortness of Breath

One of the most overlooked signs of cancer in women is difficulty breathing or persistent wheezing. This can be an early symptom of lung cancer, often making it hard to catch your breath.

# Chronic Cough or Chest Pain

Persistent coughing or chest discomfort can mimic bronchitis but may also signal lung cancer or leukaemia. Lung cancer patients often report chest pain that radiates to the shoulder or arm.

# Frequent Fevers or Infections

Recurring fevers or infections can point to leukaemia—a blood cancer starting in the bone marrow. It causes abnormal white blood cell production, weakening the body’s immune defenses.

# Difficulty Swallowing

Trouble swallowing can be linked to oesophageal, throat, or even lung cancer.

# Swollen Lymph Nodes or Lumps

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin may indicate changes in the lymphatic system, potentially caused by cancer.

# Excessive Bruising or Bleeding

Unusual bruising or prolonged bleeding may result from platelet or red blood cell abnormalities caused by leukaemia, which impairs oxygen transport and blood clotting.

# Weakness or Fatigue

Unexplained fatigue is a symptom common to many cancers. If you feel unusually exhausted without clear cause, consult your doctor.

# Bloating or Abdominal Weight Gain

Sudden and persistent bloating is a common sign of ovarian cancer.

# Feeling Full Quickly or Loss of Appetite

A sudden loss of appetite, even without eating much, can indicate ovarian cancer.

# Pelvic or Abdominal Pain

Cramping or pain in the pelvis or abdomen, often accompanied by bloating, can be linked to ovarian cancer. Leukaemia may also cause abdominal pain due to an enlarged spleen.

# Rectal Bleeding or Blood in Stool

Blood in stool can be an early sign of colorectal cancer and should be checked by a doctor immediately.

# Unexplained Weight Loss

Sudden weight loss can be associated with colon or other digestive cancers, especially if the disease has spread to the liver and affects appetite and digestion.

# Red, Sore, or Swollen Breast

Inflammatory breast cancer can cause redness, swelling, or soreness in the breast, requiring immediate medical evaluation.

# Persistent Stomach Upset or Cramps

Frequent stomach cramps or digestive discomfort can be a warning sign of colorectal cancer.

# Unusual or Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Very heavy, painful periods or bleeding between cycles may signal endometrial or uterine cancer. A transvaginal ultrasound can help detect these conditions.

# Swelling of the Face

Puffiness, redness, or swelling in the face can occur in lung cancer when blood vessels in the chest are blocked, restricting blood flow from the head to the face.

# Non-Healing Sores or Skin Lumps

Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma can present as persistent sores or unusual skin growths. Monitor any suspicious spots closely.

# Nipple Changes

Flattened, inverted, or unusually positioned nipples are common signs of breast cancer.

# Nail Changes

Brown or black streaks, spots under the nail, or clubbing (curved nails with enlarged fingertips) can indicate skin or lung cancer.

# Back or Lower Right Side Pain

Early lung cancer may cause back pain, while breast cancer can also lead to discomfort if the tumour presses backward into the chest or spreads to the spine or ribs.