The cancer prevention and control programs in most states today exemplify how public health has contributed to the population’s overall health. These programs rely on cancer donations to help fund the programs. Cancer doesn’t come with any apparent symptoms, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any changes in your appearance that could be a sign of the disease. Common signs of cancer include any change in your appearance or physical sensations that you can’t explain. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital offers the following signs to look for:

1. Change in bowel or bladder habits
When cancer starts in the bowel or bladder, sometimes it can spread to other organs. These changes may include changes in stool or urine color and frequency, bleeding or discharge from the anus or vagina, pain with passing gas, and a change in consistency in bowel movement. Cancer can cause bowel or bladder habits to change. In case you notice that your bowel or bladder habits are different than usual, it’s important to speak with your doctor about it right away.

2. Sudden weight loss without trying
Your body’s ability to maintain a healthy weight can be affected by many different diseases, and cancer is no exception. If you lose a lot of weight suddenly, that’s a sign that your body is using up extra energy to fight the disease. The unexplained weight loss can be a sign of more severe illnesses such as cancer, so if you’ve lost a significant amount of weight, you must speak with your doctor.

3. An abnormal lump or mass
An abnormal lump or mass can be a sign of many diseases, including cancer, so if you notice a lump in your breast, it’s important to speak with your doctor immediately. If you have any other symptoms of breast cancer, like a discharge that is not normal for you or unusual pain in your chest, it’s important to speak with your doctor about it as soon as possible.

4. Unexplained fatigue
Cancer is a major energy hog. If you’re feeling more tired than usual, it could be a sign that your body is using more energy to fight cancer, and it needs a lot of energy to do that. Fatigue is the most common symptom of cancer and is often the first sign a person notices. Fatigue can range from mild to severe, but no matter its severity, it can seriously affect your ability to function normally. Fatigue is also a common sign of other diseases, like depression, so if you’re experiencing fatigue that you can’t explain, you must talk to your doctor about it as soon as possible.

5. Unusual bleeding or discharge
Sometimes, cancer can cause bleeding or discharge from some organ. This can be a sign of many different types of cancer, including breast cancer, ovarian and cervical cancer, and lung cancer. If you have a discharge different from your usual, you must speak with your doctor about it. In most cases, this unusual discharge or bleeding comes from the vagina or anus. If you notice any unusual bleeding or discharge, it’s important to speak with your doctor immediately.

6. Excessive bruising
Cancer can cause your body to bruise more easily. This is a common sign of leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other cancers. Bruising can also signify a problem with your blood platelets or bleeding disorders. If you notice you’re bruising more than usual, it’s important to seek medical attention.