The Most Important Thing About Cancer: Catching It Early

The single most important factor in cancer survival is how early it is detected. A Stage I cancer is typically curable with surgery alone. A Stage IV cancer requires multiple treatments and has significantly lower cure rates. The difference between these outcomes often comes down to awareness — knowing the warning signs and acting on them promptly.

This guide from Dr. Srikarthik Voleti, surgical oncologist in Chennai, covers the early warning signs of the most common cancers in India, when to seek medical attention, and how cancer screening can save your life.

Early Warning Signs of Cancer – Never Ignore These

Cancer presents differently depending on the organ involved, but several general warning signs should prompt a visit to an oncologist:

General (Systemic) Warning Signs

• Unexplained weight loss – Losing more than 5 kg without trying over a few weeks is a red flag
• Persistent fatigue – Tiredness that doesn't improve with rest and has no obvious cause
• Fever – Recurrent or persistent low-grade fever, especially at night
• Night sweats – Drenching sweats at night unrelated to environment or menopause

Lumps and Swellings

• A new, painless, progressively growing lump anywhere in the body
• Painless does NOT mean harmless; most cancerous lumps are painless initially

Skin Changes

• A mole that changes in size, shape, or colour
• A non-healing sore or ulcer anywhere on the skin or in the mouth
• Unexplained redness, thickening, or skin texture changes

Bleeding and Discharge

• Blood in stool
• Blood in urine
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Blood-stained nipple discharge
• Coughing or vomiting blood

Digestive and Abdominal Symptoms

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Persistent abdominal pain or bloating
• Change in bowel habits lasting more than 4 weeks

Head, Neck, and Respiratory Symptoms

• Persistent hoarseness or voice change
• Chronic cough that doesn't resolve
• A new or enlarging neck lump
• Difficulty opening the mouth or a non-healing mouth ulcer

Cancer Warning Signs by Cancer Type in India

Breast Cancer

• Lump in breast or armpit
• Skin dimpling or puckering
• Nipple inversion or blood-stained nipple discharge
• Orange-peel skin texture

Colorectal Cancer

• Change in bowel habits
• Blood or mucus in stools
• Abdominal cramps
• Unexplained weight loss and fatigue

Cervical Cancer

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Unusual vaginal discharge with odour
• Pelvic pain

Oral Cancer

• Non-healing ulcer or white/red patch
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Lump in the neck
• Loose teeth without dental cause

Lung Cancer

• Chronic cough
• Chest pain
• Breathlessness
• Unexplained weight loss

Stomach Cancer

• Persistent indigestion
• Feeling full quickly
• Upper abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Cancer Screening in Chennai – Detect Cancer Before You Have Symptoms

Breast Cancer Screening

• Women from age 40
• Annual Mammography
• Clinical Breast Examination

Cervical Cancer Screening

• Women aged 21–65
• Pap Smear every 3 years
• Pap + HPV Co-test every 5 years

Colorectal Cancer Screening

• Average risk from age 45
• Colonoscopy every 10 years
• Annual stool tests

Oral Cancer Screening

• Tobacco users
• Alcohol users
• Betel nut chewers

Lung Cancer Screening

• Heavy smokers aged 50–80
• Annual Low-Dose CT Scan (LDCT)

Genetic Risk Assessment – Are You at High Risk for Cancer?

Some individuals carry genetic mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or genes associated with Lynch Syndrome that increase lifetime cancer risk.

• Multiple relatives with cancer
• Family member diagnosed before age 50
• Personal history of multiple cancers
• Known hereditary cancer syndromes

When Should You See an Oncologist in Chennai?

• Symptoms lasting more than 2–3 weeks
• Need a second opinion
• Cancer screening consultation
• Biopsy review
• Family history of cancer

About Dr. Srikarthik Voleti – Oncologist in Chennai

• MCh (Surgical Oncology)
• MRCS (Edinburgh)
• Training at Tata Memorial Centre
• NYU Langone Health (USA)
• Robotic & minimally invasive cancer surgery specialist

FAQ – Cancer Symptoms & Screening in Chennai