Top 12 Cancer Warning Signs, According to Doctors

Across Nigeria and much of Africa, a silent trend is drawing international concern: cancer rates are gradually rising in people under 50, breaking traditional assumptions about age-related risks. While colorectal cancers—involving the colon and rectum—lead this unsettling trend, others such as uterine, blood, kidney, and breast cancers are also reportedly on the rise. Adding to the challenge, the early stages of many cancers can present with subtle, everyday symptoms like unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes—signs that are easy to ignore in the hustle of daily life.

Distinguishing between harmless aches or tiredness and early warning signs of a serious illness can be difficult. However, oncologists strongly advise that people should not dismiss symptoms that last longer than two weeks. According to Dr. Marla Lipsyc-Sharf, medical practitioners prefer their patients to be cautious rather than risk missing timely diagnoses. “We don’t take any chances, and we investigate thoroughly to make sure we’re taking the best care of our people possible,” she notes.

So, what symptoms do cancer specialists say you should never ignore? Below, top oncologists have outlined the main red flags. Importantly, all these symptoms can stem from a range of other health conditions, many of which are not life-threatening. Still, if you notice any persistent signs, it’s wise to check in with your doctor and get clarity.

12 Symptoms Cancer Doctors Would Never Ignore

1. Unusual Vaginal Discharge Or Bleeding

In Nigeria and other West African countries, women often normalize symptoms like unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding, attributing them to infections or hormonal changes. However, medical experts stress that discharge with a strong smell, bleeding after sex, and irregular periods need attention. Dr. Premal H. Thaker explains that these may stem from harmless causes such as STIs, fibroids, or dryness, but if common explanations are ruled out, a Pap test is necessary to check for cervical cancer.

2. A Change In Bowel Habits

Colorectal cancer is becoming more common in young adults globally, and Nigeria is not immune to this trend, reportedly due to shifts in diet and sedentary lifestyles. Any prolonged change in bowel habits—like constipation, diarrhoea, or rectal bleeding—should not be ignored. Dr. Despina Siolas emphasises that persistent symptoms can sometimes be early signs of ovarian cancer as well. Although conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which are widespread across African populations, often cause these symptoms, it’s still crucial to have a healthcare provider rule out serious causes.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing more than four kilograms without trying is a sign that warrants a doctor’s visit, according to Dr. Siolas. In West Africa, where dietary patterns can shift due to seasonal foods or stress, it’s common to see some fluctuation in weight. However, experts warn that adults rarely lose significant weight unless intentionally dieting or making lifestyle changes. Sudden weight drop can sometimes indicate the body is being depleted of nutrients by a tumour, though conditions like hyperthyroidism or gluten intolerance could also be to blame.

4. Unexplained Weight Gain

Unexpected weight gain, especially around the belly with accompanying discomfort, may be tied to fluid retention from tumours in the abdomen region, says Dr. Siolas. Bloating and a rapidly growing waistline—common complaints at local hospitals—warrant closer medical attention, not just assumptions about diet or age.

5. Persistent Pain In Your Abdomen Or Pelvis

Recurring pelvic or abdominal pain is sometimes brushed off in Nigerian and Ghanaian homes as “normal women’s pain,” but Dr. Thaker urges thorough investigation. Pain after sex or during menstruation—common in conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—can, in rare cases, point to endometrial cancer. Notably, PCOS is linked to an increased risk of this cancer, with a recent 2023 meta-analysis in Oncology Letters reporting that premenopausal women with PCOS face five times the risk.

6. Enlarged Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes—such as in the neck, underarm, or groin—are mostly due to infections which are common in the region, according to Dr. Steve Lo. However, persistent or hard, painless swelling can signal conditions like lymphoma or carcinoma and should always be checked, especially if it doesn’t resolve in two weeks.

7. Changes In The Skin Of Your Breasts

Inflammation, redness, warmth, or skin that looks like an orange peel on the breast should raise concern. Although many women in Africa experience breast rashes due to heat and humidity—often fungal infections—Dr. Thomas Buchholz cautions that ongoing changes might signal a more aggressive form of breast cancer. If such symptoms persist beyond a week and aren’t caused by infection, immediate imaging may be required.

8. A New Lump That’s Not Going Away

Discovering a lump often causes anxiety, and while most palpable lumps turn out benign, doctors advise caution. “If a lump persists after two weeks, it’s time for a check-up,” urges Dr. Lipsyc-Sharf. In Nigeria, where cultural taboos may delay hospital visits, self-awareness is vital. For lumps in the breast, appropriate imaging like mammograms or ultrasounds is usually recommended based on age and risk profile.

9. Persistent Breast Tenderness

Breast tenderness is most commonly tied to hormonal cycles, particularly among pre-menopausal women. Yet, Dr. Thaker notes that if the pain is persistent for weeks and unrelated to the menstrual cycle, a medical review should be scheduled. In local clinics, misunderstandings about these symptoms often prevent women from seeking examinations.

10. Nipple Bleeding Or Discharge

Across Africa, nipple changes are sometimes overlooked—attributed to breastfeeding or herbal remedies. However, whether or not one is pregnant, any instance of nipple bleeding or unexplained discharge should be examined. Breast cancer is a rare cause, but benign issues like papillomas—wart-like growths—can also be responsible (see details at the American Cancer Society website).

11. Coughing Or Shortness Of Breath

Chronic cough or breathlessness may be dismissed as a reaction to dust, Harmattan, or motor fumes common in bustling Lagos and Accra. Yet, these are also early indicators of lung cancer. If symptoms extend beyond two weeks without clear cause, consult a clinician. Dr. Saiama N. Waqar highlights that while smoking remains a global risk factor, up to 20 percent of lung cancer cases reportedly occur in individuals who have never smoked, based on CDC data. Coughing up blood demands even more urgent attention, though this can be due to pneumonia or a pulmonary embolism.

12. Being More Tired Than Usual

West Africans often attribute chronic fatigue to daily struggles, inadequate sleep, or stress. While these are real causes, persistent tiredness may also be a subtle sign of underlying illness, including some cancers. Dr. Lo warns that fatigue has many sources, from mental health to heart and kidney issues, but sustained energy depletion, especially if it disrupts your usual routine, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Even If You’re Symptom-Free, Don’t Skip Routine Screenings

A unique challenge in Nigeria is that many cases of cancer show no symptoms in the early stages. This is why regular screenings, including Pap smears, breast checks, and colonoscopies (especially for those with family history) are so important. Dr. Lipsyc-Sharf points out that, “Screening can detect cancer early, making it more manageable and improving chances for full recovery.” Studies show that early detection is directly linked to improved survival rates—over 90 percent for breast cancer when found early, according to Dr. Buchholz.

Individuals with affected relatives are often advised to begin screenings earlier and more frequently. Local public health campaigns, alongside family record-keeping, can play a pivotal role in improving awareness and outcomes in African communities. “Knowing your risk can enable timely surveillance—even when you feel perfectly healthy,” Dr. Lipsyc-Sharf advises.

Meet The Experts:

Marla Lipsyc-Sharf, MD, is a breast medical oncologist at UCLA Health.
Despina Siolas, MD, practices at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian.
Thomas Buchholz, MD, is the medical director of Scripps Cancer Center.
Premal H. Thaker, MD, is the David and Lynn Mutch distinguished professor at WashU Medicine Siteman Cancer Center.
Steve Lo, MD, directs medical oncology at Bennett Cancer Center, Stamford Health.
Saiama N. Waqar, MD, is professor of medicine at WashU Medicine.
Therese Bartholomew Bevers, MD, heads the Cancer Prevention Center at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Community health experts in Nigeria also encourage individuals to share their experiences and seek support where possible, debunking stigma and taboos around cancer symptoms. “Early detection is not just a matter of personal health, but collective wellbeing,” explains Lagos-based clinician Dr. Ifeoma Ajayi.

As cases of cancer shift in pattern and age group across West Africa, health workers stress the need for ongoing awareness campaigns, robust screening programmes, and more inclusive healthcare access. While many hurdles remain—including costs and geographic barriers to clinics—public knowledge and vigilance are powerful first steps in reducing late cancer diagnoses.

What experiences have you or your loved ones had with cancer detection and healthcare in Nigeria? What barriers or improvements do you think matter most in your community? Drop a comment below and let’s foster a more informed and supportive conversation. For more updates and expert insights on health, follow us and join our community.

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