There are so many different types of cancer that it can be hard to know what to look for to keep yourself protected. For instance, breast cancer and brain cancer each have their own set of symptoms. However, just because each type of cancer has its own way of presenting itself doesn't mean that there aren't some general things to look for. Here are some of the early warning signs of cancer so that you can protect yourself.

1. Changes In Bowel or Bladder Habits

Many times the cancer will affect your digestive system. Even if the cancer isn't necessarily in your gut, your body will respond to the cancer cells in your body by trying to rid of the body of the cancer through your bowel and bladder habits.

If you have always been healthy and have had regular bathroom habits that suddenly change, you should talk to your doctor, because this may be a sign of cancer.

2. Unusual Bleeding Or Discharge

Another common sign is a discharge or bleeding from the affected area. For example, skin cancer might cause bleeding from a sore or mole on your skin. Breast cancer patients often experience some sort of discharge from the breast, and some cancer patients find blood in their urine.

This is why you should talk to your doctor if you notice anything unusual. Anything bleeding or discharge shouldn't be ignored.

3. Chronic Pain

Pain is an indication that something is wrong in your body. Although you may think that you can tough it out, you shouldn't ignore chronic and reoccurring pain. This is a sign that something is not right in your body.

This is especially the case if you are experiencing pain in one part of the body more often than others. For instance, if you are having a hard time breathing and/or are experiencing pain in your chest, you could have lung cancer. Consequently, you should be sure that you are seeing your doctor for any pain that you might have.

4. Fatigue and Nausea

Cancer has a way of making you feel perpetually sick. You might feel too tired to get out of bed or like you are going to vomit all the time. One or two days of this might just indicate a flu bug, but if it continues on for days or weeks, talk to your doctor.

These are just some things that you should be on the lookout for pertaining to cancer. Contact a company like Sturdy Memorial Hospital for more information.