Cancer is often a silent killer. Not just because it so often goes undiagnosed, but because it starts with symptoms we most often ignore. Taking to X, internal medicine expert Dr Priyam Bordoloi shared some of the warnings signs we often ignore.

Colon Cancer

Warning Signs: Blood in stool, black or tarry stools. Dr Bordoloi explained how Many people dismiss blood in the stool as a harmless sign of hemorrhoids caused by prolonged sitting. While hemorrhoids are a common explanation, persistent or recurrent rectal bleeding can also be an early warning sign of colorectal cancer or another serious condition. Some tumors bleed slowly over time, leading to chronic blood loss and even anemia before other symptoms appear. Adults over 40, especially those with ongoing bleeding, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or a family history of colorectal cancer, should not ignore these symptoms. A prompt medical evaluation can determine the underlying cause and, if necessary, detect cancer at a stage when treatment is most effective. Even if the bleeding turns out to be hemorrhoids, it is important to have the diagnosis confirmed by a healthcare professional rather than relying on assumptions.

Lung Cancer

Warning Signs: Nagging cough that persists for more than three weeks or blood tinged phlegm.

While many patients assume it is an allergy or a cold, sometimes, it is the tumour blocking the airways. A persistent cough, combined with unexplained weight loss should warrant an immediate visit to the doctor, said Dr Bordoloi.

Breast Cancer

Many people associate pain with serious illness, but breast cancer often develops without causing any discomfort in its early stages. One of the most important warning signs is a new, hard breast lump that feels different from the surrounding tissue. These lumps are frequently painless, firm, and may have irregular edges. Another concerning change is skin dimpling or thickening that gives the breast an appearance similar to an orange peel, a sign that can occur when cancer affects the lymphatic vessels beneath the skin.

Because these changes are not always painful, many people mistakenly believe they are harmless and delay seeking medical attention. However, the absence of pain does not rule out breast cancer. In fact, many malignant breast tumors remain painless until they reach a more advanced stage.

Any newly discovered lump, persistent change in breast shape or size, skin puckering, nipple inversion, unusual nipple discharge—especially if it is bloody—or redness that does not improve should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. A clinical breast examination, followed by imaging such as a mammogram or ultrasound, and a biopsy when indicated, can determine whether the change is benign or cancerous.

While many breast lumps are caused by non-cancerous conditions such as cysts or fibroadenomas, it is impossible to distinguish them from cancer based on symptoms alone. Early evaluation is essential because breast cancer detected at an early stage is generally easier to treat and is associated with significantly better outcomes. Rather than waiting for pain to develop, any new structural change in the breast should prompt a timely medical assessment.

Prostate Cancer

“Warning: Waking up 4-5 times a night to pee or struggling to start.

Patients assume: "It's just a normal part of getting older."

Reality: A growing tumor can literally strangle your urethra. Don't write it off..get a clinical evaluation..” wrote Dr Bordoloi.

Pancreatic Cancer

Warning Signs: Adult jaundice, most times painless. Yellow skin and eyes.

Reality: Dr Bordoloi explained how many patients dismiss it as a stomach bug when its the tumour blocking the bile duct. He warned the adult jaundice should never be dismissed.

Stomach Cancer

Warning Signs: Feeling full even after a small meal, unexplained weight loss

Many patients assume digestive problems. Dr Bordoloi explained that it is the tumour which is taking up space in your stomach. Unexplained weight loss needs to be checked immediately.

Dr Bordoloi ultimately concluded: “Your body gives you a window of time to act. Don't close it yourself…”