Warning Signs of Cancer: Types, Screening and Prevention
Hearing the word cancer can be frightening, but understanding it helps. This guide explains, in simple language, what cancer is, common types, warning signs, screening tests and prevention.
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What Is Cancer?
Cancer happens when cells in the body grow uncontrollably and can spread to other parts. A lump of abnormal cells is called a tumor (or tumour). Tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Malignancy means a cancerous growth.
Many cancers can be treated successfully, especially when found early.
Common Types of Cancer
- Breast cancer: Often first noticed as a lump or a change in the breast.
- Cervical cancer: Affects the cervix. It is mostly caused by long-term HPV infection and is largely preventable.
- Ovarian cancer: Affects the ovaries. Early signs can be vague, such as bloating or pelvic discomfort.
- Prostate cancer: Affects the prostate gland in men and is often slow-growing.
- Colon cancer: Affects the large bowel. It is also called colorectal cancer when the rectal area is included.
- Pancreatic cancer: Often found late because early symptoms are few.
- Leukemia (leukaemia): Cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
- Lymphoma: Cancer of the lymph system. It includes Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Multiple myeloma: Cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow.
- Skin cancer: Includes melanoma, the most serious type.
- Brain tumor: Can be benign or cancerous, and symptoms depend on its location.
Warning Signs of Cancer
Symptoms depend on the type, but see a doctor if you notice:
- A new lump or swelling
- Unexplained weight loss
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- A long-lasting cough or hoarseness
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- A new or changing mole
- Ongoing tiredness or pain without a clear reason
Important note: These signs are often caused by other conditions, but they should always be checked by a doctor.
Cancer Screening Tests
Screening looks for cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment usually works best.
| Test | What it screens for |
|---|---|
| Mammogram | Breast cancer |
| Pap smear | Changes in the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer |
| PSA screening | Prostate cancer (a blood test) |
| Colonoscopy | Colon cancer and pre-cancerous growths (polyps) |
When to start screening, and how often, depends on your age, sex and risk factors. Ask your doctor what’s right for you.
HPV Vaccine: Preventing Cervical Cancer
The HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus vaccine) protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers, and some other cancers. It works best when given before exposure to the virus, usually in adolescence. Ask your doctor about the right age and schedule.
Cancer Treatment
An oncologist is a doctor who specialises in cancer. Treatment depends on the cancer’s type and stage, and may include:
- Chemotherapy: medicines that kill or slow cancer cells
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Other targeted treatments: as advised by the oncologist
Your care team will create a plan for you.
Lowering Your Cancer Risk
- Don’t smoke or chew tobacco
- Limit alcohol
- Eat a balanced diet and stay active
- Protect your skin from excess sun
- Get recommended vaccines and screening tests
How ANYA Helps
ANYA, Lupin’s free AI health assistant, answers your cancer questions 24/7 on WhatsApp.
Try asking: “What is a Pap smear?” or “Who should get the HPV vaccine?”
ANYA provides health information, not diagnosis or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
A new lump, unexplained weight loss, unusual bleeding, a non-healing sore or lasting changes in bowel habits. See a doctor if you notice any of these.
No. Tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). A doctor confirms which through tests.
A vaccine that protects against the human papillomavirus types that cause most cervical cancers. Ask your doctor about the right age and schedule.
A screening test that checks cells from the cervix for changes that could lead to cervical cancer.
An X-ray of the breast used to screen for breast cancer, often before any lump can be felt.
A blood test that measures a protein made by the prostate. High levels may need further checks for prostate cancer.
An oncologist diagnoses and treats cancer and plans treatments like chemotherapy.
Not all cancers can be prevented, but avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, staying active, getting vaccinated and having regular screening lower the risk.
