Is it possible to have cancer without symptoms

Unexplained bleeding can often be caused by something far less serious than cancer, but you should always report it to your doctor. This includes blood in your poo or pee, and vomiting or coughing up blood - no matter how much or what colour it could be red, or a darker colour like brown or black.

It also includes any unexplained vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after the menopause. But if you feel bloated most days, even if it comes and goes, talk to your doctor.

Lumps are not the only breast changes to tell the doctor about. Also look out for any change in the size, shape or feel of a breast, or any skin changes, redness, or pain in the breast.

How do I check for cancer? Seeing the doctor. Why is early diagnosis important? If your doctor makes an urgent referral for you. Skip to main content. Signs and symptoms of cancer Cancer signs and symptoms during the coronavirus pandemic! Content not working due to cookie settings. Manage your cookie settings here. How do you know if you have cancer?

General cancer symptoms Unexplained pain or ache Pain is one way our bodies tell us that something is wrong. Very heavy night sweats Sweating at night can be caused by infections or it can be a side effect of certain medications. Unexplained weight loss Small weight changes over time are quite normal, but if you lose a noticeable amount of weight without trying to, tell your doctor. Unusual lump or swelling anywhere Persistent lumps or swelling in any part of your body should be taken seriously.

A sudden, lasting change in your energy level, no matter how much sleep you've been getting, can be a sign of leukemia or lymphoma. There are a number of reasons for this, but if it persists, your doctor may want to check for cervical or uterine cancer. Unusual discomfort that lasts more than two weeks can be a warning sign of liver, pancreatic or various digestive system cancers. Weight fluctuates.

But the loss of pounds when you're not trying, or the loss of your appetite, can indicate many types of cancers, especially ones that have spread. Any new lump or mass that doesn't go away should be evaluated. UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider.

We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider. But here are 17 symptoms that may warrant a call to your doctor: 1. Abnormal periods or pelvic pain Most women have the occasional irregular period or cramps. Changes in bathroom habits Significant changes in bodily functions can indicate colon, prostate or bladder cancer, among other cancers. Bloating We all feel bloated now and then. Breast changes These include a new lump, dimpling, discoloring, changes around the nipple or unusual discharge that you didn't have before.

Chronic coughing A cough that persists for more than two weeks, especially a dry cough, can be a sign of lung cancer. Chronic headache A headache that lasts more than two weeks and doesn't respond to the usual medications can be caused by a brain tumor.

Difficulty swallowing If you feel as though food is getting stuck in your throat or you have trouble swallowing for more than two weeks, this can be a sign of throat, lung or stomach cancer. Excessive bruising A bruise on the shin from bumping into the coffee table is normal.

You have the best chance at survival and a healthy quality of life if your cancer is diagnosed and treated in its early stages. This article will explore which types of cancers are more likely to go undetected, and how to increase your chances of catching potential cancers early.

Some cancers are more easily detected than others. For example, certain types of skin cancer can be diagnosed initially just by visual inspection — though a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. But other cancers can form and grow undetected for 10 years or more , as one study found, making diagnosis and treatment that much more difficult.

The nature of cancer signs and symptoms differ greatly, depending on where the cancer is located. Bladder cancer, for instance, causes blood in the urine, while brain cancer triggers terrible headaches.

Typically, cancer signs and symptoms first appear when the cancerous tumor or mass has grown large enough that it begins to push against nearby organs and tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. This can lead to pain, a change in how the nearby organs function, or both.

A brain tumor pressing against the optic nerve will affect vision, for example. Some cancers are fast moving, such as liver and pancreatic cancers. Prostate cancer, however, is usually slow moving.

Screenings for certain cancers should be part of your normal preventive healthcare. These include cancers of the:. Your age, sex, family history, and your own medical history will dictate when routine screenings should begin and how often they should be done.

You can connect to a physician in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool. Some common cancer signs that should result in a visit to the emergency room or to a doctor as soon as possible include:. These and other signs and symptoms will be evaluated. These tests are done both to help make a diagnosis as well as rule out various causes of your signs and symptoms. For some cancers that are screened for on a regular basis, survival rates tend to be high. The 5-year survival rate for people with localized breast or prostate cancer is nearly percent.

And when diagnosed early, melanoma has about a 99 percent 5-year survival rate.