As World Cancer Day (February 4) approaches, it is important to remember that the first sign of cancer is hardest to catch when it first appears, not because the body stays silent, but because its early warning signs are often easy to dismiss. Many initial symptoms are painless, mild, or look like everyday health issues. Fatigue gets blamed on stress. Digestive trouble is written off as a bad meal. A lingering cough is brushed aside as seasonal.
This is where the danger lies. Dr Ashwin K R, HOD - Department of Surgical Oncology, Aster Whitefield Hospital and Consultant - Surgical Oncology and Gynaecological Oncology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, opened on the early signs of cancer you should never ignore and lifestyle changes that reduce cancer risk. Ignoring small but persistent changes can delay diagnosis, and with cancer, timing matters more than most people realise.
Early symptoms your body is asking you not to ignore
Certain signs should never be pushed aside, especially when they persist or appear without a clear reason. Unexplained weight loss, fatigue that does not improve with rest, or new lumps or swelling anywhere on the body all warrant medical attention.
Changes in bowel or bladder habits, blood in stool or urine, difficulty swallowing, or a cough that lingers for weeks are also red flags. These symptoms do not automatically mean cancer, but they do mean your body needs to be checked.
Skin changes deserve particular attention. A mole that changes colour, shape or size, or a wound that refuses to heal, should always be examined. Persistent indigestion, abdominal discomfort, or bloating that lasts for weeks is another area people often overlook, assuming it is harmless when it may not be.
Why early signs are so easy to miss
According to oncologists, cancer often progresses quietly in its initial stages. The warning signs are subtle, not dramatic. They show up as symptoms that linger rather than worsen overnight.
In fast-paced, high-stress lives, many people learn to function through discomfort instead of responding to it. But early medical consultation often means simpler treatment, better outcomes, and in many cases, a full recovery.
Listening to your body and acting early can quite literally save your life.
Prevention is as important as detection
While it is important to detect cancer early, it is also important to focus on prevention. Many cancers are associated with lifestyle, which means that risk can often be lowered. Stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol, being a healthy weight, and being physically active are some of the most effective ways of preventing cancer. These are not radical changes, but consistent ones. Diet is a strong factor, too. An array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber-rich foods on a plate can shield against cancers. Reducing processed meats and red meat, while being mindful of the skin’s protection against excessive sun exposure, and emphasising sound sleep practices can also help.
According to Dr Ashwin, “Cancer prevention is not about making radical changes. It’s the small, doable things that make the biggest difference.”
The role of regular screening
Routine health check-ups and age-appropriate cancer screenings should be treated as non-negotiable, not optional. Screening often catches disease before symptoms even appear, when treatment is most effective.
Awareness is the first step, but action is what changes outcomes. Paying attention to early warning signs and committing to healthier daily habits gives you the best possible defence.
Cancer rarely announces itself loudly at first. It whispers. The answer is learning how to listen. Being serious about symptoms, seeking early medical advice, and making informed lifestyle decisions can help identify cancer early or even prevent it in some instances. When one is healthy, even the smallest decisions of the day influence the biggest outcomes of the next day.
