Are there common symptoms of cancer

The environment around you may contain harmful chemicals that can increase your risk of cancer. Even if you don't smoke, you might inhale secondhand smoke if you go where people are smoking or if you live with someone who smokes. Chemicals in your home or workplace, such as asbestos and benzene, also are associated with an increased risk of cancer. Cancer care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Cancer refers to any one of a large number of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Cancer. World Health Organization. Accessed Feb. Cancer stat facts: Cancer of any site.

Symptoms of cancer. National Cancer Institute. Rock CL, et al. American Cancer Society guideline for diet and physical activity for cancer prevention. Niederhuber JE, et al. Genetic and epigenetic alterations in cancer. In: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. Elsevier; Accessed Dec. Ulcerative colitis. Paraneoplastic syndromes information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke.

Deng GE, et al. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for integrative oncology: Complementary therapies and botanicals. Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology. Taking time: Support for people with cancer. Learn more. Today, people are living longer than ever after a cancer diagnosis due to improved cancer screenings. Routine screenings catch diseases earlier, when they are more straightforward to treat.

But to be safe, talk to your doctor about these five signs and symptoms. When you lose weight for no reason, call your doctor.

A loss of 10 pounds or more could be nothing to worry about. However, in rare cases, it may be the first sign of cancer. There are lots of underlying causes of fatigue, many of them not cancer-related.

Here are some of the more common signs and symptoms that may be caused by cancer. However, any of these can be caused by other problems as well. The signs and symptoms listed above are the more common ones seen with cancer, but there are many others that are not listed here. If you notice any major changes in the way your body works or the way you feel — especially if it lasts for a long time or gets worse — let a doctor know. The American Cancer Society and other health groups recommend cancer-related check-ups and certain tests for people even though they have no symptoms.

This helps find certain cancers early.