Cancer doesn’t appear overnight. In most cases, it develops silently in the body for months or even years before being diagnosed.

While not every unusual symptom points directly to cancer, certain changes may serve as early warning signs that abnormal cells are growing.

Paying attention to these signals can make a huge difference in early detection and treatment.

1. Unexplained Fatigue

Constant tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest could indicate more than stress. Cancer cells consume energy, weaken your immune system, and interfere with nutrient absorption, leaving you feeling drained.

2. Sudden, Unexplained Weight Loss

If you lose more than 5–10% of your body weight in a short period without dieting or exercise, it may be a red flag. Many cancers, especially those of the stomach, pancreas, and lungs, cause rapid weight loss.

3. Persistent Pain

Chronic pain that lingers without an obvious cause should be taken seriously. For example:

• Back pain can signal bone or ovarian cancer.

• Headaches that don’t respond to treatment may relate to brain tumors.