9 cancer signs you shouldn't ignore

Cancer can cause a variety of symptoms depending on where it is located, how much it has spread, and whether it is located near organs and tissues. Symptoms may not be obvious, however, and some may be dangerously deceptive. Seemingly minor changes, like a nagging cough or persistent backache, can occasionally signal cancer. Too often, these aren’t taken seriously until the disease has become more advanced. So how can you distinguish between an innocent ache and a pain you should report to your healthcare provider (HCP)?

“I tell patients that if there are symptoms that are out of the ordinary or persistent or frequent in nature or extreme in intensity, they should seek attention from their primary provider,” says Elwyn Cabebe, MD, director of medical oncology at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, California.

Signs and symptoms can vary widely, so don't hesitate to talk to your HCP about anything that seems out of the ordinary—especially if you notice any of these nine symptoms that can sometimes indicate cancer.