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Unexplained weight loss is another change frequently mentioned in cancer-awareness guidance. People’s weight normally changes over time for many reasons, including diet, activity level, stress, illness, medication use, and natural changes in appetite. Intentional weight loss following dietary or exercise changes is very different from losing a significant amount of weight without knowing why. The American Cancer Society includes unexplained weight loss among possible warning signs that should be discussed with a healthcare provider when the change is significant or persistent. The National Cancer Institute likewise lists weight loss or gain without a known reason among possible symptoms that can occur with cancer. Neither organization suggests that unexplained weight loss automatically means cancer.
Cancer can sometimes affect weight by changing appetite, metabolism, digestion, or how the body uses energy. Some cancers can also cause nausea, difficulty swallowing, abdominal symptoms, or early fullness that reduces food intake. At the same time, many non-cancerous conditions can produce similar changes. Digestive disorders, thyroid disease, diabetes, infections, medication effects, depression, and other medical problems can all influence body weight. The key concern is a change that cannot easily be explained by a person’s normal routine or intentional lifestyle choices. A medical professional can determine whether further testing is appropriate.
Persistent coughing deserves similar context. Coughs are extremely common and are usually caused by conditions other than cancer. Respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, reflux, smoking, environmental irritation, and other conditions can all lead to coughing. Most short-term coughs eventually improve as their underlying cause resolves. A cough that does not go away, becomes progressively worse, is accompanied by blood, or behaves differently from someone’s normal cough deserves medical attention. The American Cancer Society lists a cough or hoarseness that does not go away as one possible cancer warning sign.