By Akanksha Arora

Copyright timesnownews

When it comes to cancer, early detection makes all the difference. However, many of the symptoms associated with cancer are often brushed aside as routine health issues. In a conversation with The Washington Post, Dr. Mikkael A. Sekeres explains, certain signs that should not be ignored. While most of these symptoms have other causes, persistent or unusual changes in your health should always prompt a visit to the doctor. Have a look at the signs below. Swollen Lymph Nodes For the unversed, lymph nodes often act as the body’s early warning system. They signal towards when the immune system is fighting infection. However, cancerous lymph nodes are completely different. They are usually painless, hard and continue to grow in size. A swollen lymph node that does not go away, is larger than one inch, or grows rapidly may need to be biopsied. As per a Dutch study, only about 1% of swollen lymph nodes are linked to cancer. This means most cases are caused by infections or other conditions. Changes In Bowel Habits Our digestive system very quickly reflects the changes in our health. Some persistent issues can be more than just stomach upset. A study of colorectal cancer patients under the age of 50 revealed that more than half experienced changes in bowel habits, most often diarrhea rather than constipation. Over half of them also reported rectal bleeding. Also, nearly half complained of abdominal pain. The majority of patients had two or more symptoms lasting for two months or longer. Unintentional Weight Loss Losing weight without trying may sound like a blessing but it can be a major red flag. Research analysing over 150,000 health professionals for nearly three decades found that individuals who lost 10% or more of their body weight unintentionally had a 37% increased risk of a cancer diagnosis within the following year. While weight loss can result from various conditions, unexplained and massive drops in body weight deserve immediate medical attention. Chronic Cough A lingering cough that refuses to go away is another symptom that could signal cancer, especially lung cancer. It is not like a cough that follows a cold and clears up in a few weeks. Chronic cough lasts eight weeks or even more. A study which involved almost 10,000 people diagnosed with lung cancer found that cough was the most common symptom leading to diagnosis. It was reported in about one-third of patients. If a cough persists long after an illness, you should definitely consult a doctor.