• Published on: Sep 02, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Cancer Expert

What Are The First Signs Of Cancer?

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

What are the first signs of cancer?

Depending on the type of cancer, specific signs and symptoms will vary. There is no single symptom or sign that always indicates cancer.

For example:

  • A mole may change including color, texture, thickness, and shape over time and these changes need to be monitored by a physician.
  •  Lumps in the breast may be discomforting or painful as well as noted distinct changes such as size, shape, or hardness.
  • A new cough that can't be cured can signal lung cancer which includes blood in phlegm circulation as well as an abrupt onset of coughing up clear mucus than thick blood-tinged mucus; shortness of breath; weakness; night sweats; fever & weight loss due to infectious complications from treatment

If you have any skin change, mole growth, sores in your mouth or on the outside of your body, or bleeding from anywhere including nosebleeds. You have no appetite and can't keep food down. Or there is weight loss in a short amount of time. Your breathing has a funny smell to it because you're not getting any oxygen into the lungs where there's supposed to be blood going through this way that's sign number two that something might be wrong because usually when somebody would have cancer, they'll notice these red marks on their bodies kind of like what I'm talking about if somebody had chickenpox before they would get these weather marks. And lastly for this one vomiting up blood or fresh blood from somewhere

The first signs of cancer might be a general sense of fatigue and lack of energy, which can come and go, and many patients won't know that this is something to worry about. Other symptoms include night sweats or problems with sleep due to pain or difficulty breathing. The most common problem people might notice is a change in bowel habits such as diarrhea alternating with constipation. There may also be warning signs such as coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, fevers that last more than three days without other cause (such as an infection), bleeding from the vagina in women who are not on their menstrual cycle (or vaginal bleeding after menopause), blurred vision without previous eye problems (which does not respond

Signs of cancer can include a unique smell coming from the mouth, swollen glands in the neck, a lump on a breast or testicle, tonsillitis with prolonged fever, and sensitivity to light.

But also, beware of false alarms! Some people have white patches on their tonsils or spotty saliva that they mistake for early signs of oral cancer. That's often because they have been abnormally dry from excessive inhalation of smoke-related toxins such as formaldehyde, chromium, and nickel. In most cases, these spots are nothing more than one side effect from this kind of chronic exposure - along with loss of taste sensation and dental problems - but it still does require medical attention.

Soon after, swelling in lymph nodes typically begins to develop under the arm or in the neck. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that are responsible for defending the body against infection. The high levels of lymphocytes cause them to congregate in certain areas, generating swollen lymph nodes which feel hard and moveable.

The first sign of cancer is bloody stool. If you are a suspect, speak to your doctor immediately. Second Medic consultation online will help you have a diagnosis of any diseases at the early stages so that treatment can be started in good time.

It depends on where the cancer is in your body, but some common first signs of cancer include painless lumps, swelling in one area that doesn't go away with time, unexplained weight gain or loss, easy bruising, or bleeding for no known reason. If you experience any of these symptoms you should consult a medical professional immediately.

The first sign of cancer is also when you don't feel well. Then, consult a medical professional urgently.

The most important step in preventing cancer is being proactive about your health. Cancer doesn't just happen out of nowhere, it's usually the culmination of bad lifestyle choices (smoking, overeating, not enough sleep) and neglecting oneself--our bodies are fragile machines that require constant upkeep. If we find ourselves feeling bad for an extended period of time then there may be something beyond our control at play--seek medical attention ASAP to get down to the root cause!

The first signs of cancer are typically the formation of a lump, such as a tumor. Lumps can be painless and yet still lead to potential health problems. If you suspect that you have any type of abnormal swelling or lumps in your breast or another area, contact your physician immediately.

The next thing to note is the color and feel of the skin:

  • Is there an unnatural change in skin color?
  • Are skin lesions present?
  • Do you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding anywhere on your body?

Are there new areas on your skin that appear discolored and blotchy? These could be patches from birthmarks too but it's best to get them checked out by a dermatologist

Read Blog
Lifestyle Disease Prevention India: Protecting Health Through Proactive Care

Lifestyle Disease Prevention India: Protecting Health Through Proactive Care

Lifestyle diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), have become one of India’s most pressing health challenges. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart disease, thyroid disorders, fatty liver, and high cholesterol now affect millions-often starting at younger ages compared to previous generations. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), NCDs account for more than 60 percent of deaths in India. The good news: most lifestyle diseases are preventable with awareness, screening, and timely intervention.

SecondMedic supports a national shift from reactive to preventive healthcare through early detection, nutrition planning, lifestyle improvement, and chronic risk monitoring.

Why Lifestyle Disease Prevention Matters in India

1. Rising NCD Burden

Rapid urbanization, longer working hours, stress, and processed foods have accelerated lifestyle disease growth.

2. Younger Population at Risk

More Indians in their 20s and 30s are developing prediabetes, fatty liver, and high cholesterol.

3. Silent Disease Progression

Many conditions show no symptoms in the early stages.

4. High Long-Term Medical Cost

Treatment for advanced diabetes or heart disease is expensive compared to prevention.

5. Impact on Productivity

Organizations face rising health-related absenteeism and reduced performance.

Prevention is not optional-it is a necessity.

Major Lifestyle Diseases in India

1. Diabetes & Prediabetes

India has over 10 crore diabetics, with many unaware of their condition.

2. Hypertension

Known as the “silent killer,” it increases risk for heart attack and stroke.

3. Heart Disease

India sees one of the highest premature heart attack rates globally.

4. Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome

Poor diet and inactivity contribute to dangerous fat accumulation.

5. Fatty Liver Disease

Highly common even among non-alcoholic individuals.

6. Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid imbalances affect metabolism, weight, and mental health.

7. Stress & Sleep Disorders

Impact emotional stability and long-term health.

SecondMedic offers preventive screenings tailored for each of these risk areas.

Early Detection Through Preventive Health Checkups

Preventive checkups help detect abnormalities before they turn into chronic disease.

SecondMedic’s packages include:

  • CBC
     

  • Lipid profile
     

  • HbA1c
     

  • Thyroid panel
     

  • Liver function tests
     

  • Kidney profile
     

  • Cardiac markers
     

  • Vitamin D & B12
     

  • Hormone tests
     

  • ECG
     

These tests provide a comprehensive health snapshot.

Lifestyle Disease Prevention Strategies

1. Nutrition Management

A healthy diet is the foundation of prevention.
SecondMedic dietitians design personalized nutrition plans based on:

  • Age
     

  • Weight
     

  • Activity
     

  • Medical history
     

2. Regular Physical Activity

Movement reduces blood sugar, strengthens the heart, and improves metabolism.

3. Stress Management

Chronic stress increases cortisol, causing diabetes and weight gain.
SecondMedic offers:

  • Online mental health counselling
     

  • Anxiety management
     

  • Sleep routines
     

4. Avoiding Tobacco & Alcohol

These significantly increase risk of cancer, fatty liver, and heart disease.

5. Healthy Weight Maintenance

Targeted routines help maintain optimal BMI and waist circumference.

6. Adequate Sleep

Poor sleep leads to hormonal imbalance and weak immunity.

7. Regular Health Checkups

Monitoring every 6-12 months helps track changes early.

Technology in Lifestyle Disease Prevention

India’s digital health ecosystem supports smarter prevention through:

  • Wearables
     

  • Fitness trackers
     

  • AI-based risk prediction
     

  • Digital symptom assessment
     

  • Remote monitoring devices
     

SecondMedic integrates these tools for continuous care.

Why SecondMedic for Lifestyle Disease Prevention

1. Comprehensive Screening

All major biomarkers, organ function tests, and metabolic indicators.

2. Expert Interpretation

Doctors analyze results and provide actionable insights.

3. Personalized Health Plans

Nutrition + fitness + lifestyle guidance.

4. Continuous Monitoring

Follow-ups ensure long-term success.

5. Integrated Telemedicine Support

Patients can speak to specialists anytime.

Conclusion

Lifestyle disease prevention India is crucial for improving long-term health and reducing the national burden of chronic diseases. Through early screening, targeted intervention, better nutrition, exercise routines, and continuous monitoring, individuals can dramatically reduce their risk. SecondMedic offers a complete ecosystem of preventive healthcare to help Indians stay healthy and proactive.

To begin your preventive health journey, visit www.secondmedic.com

References

  • ICMR - India NCD burden
     

  • WHO - Global NCD prevention guidelines
     

  • Statista - Lifestyle disease trends in India
     

  • NITI Aayog - Preventive health model
     

  • SecondMedic preventive care insights

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic