When it comes to cancer, catching it early can make all the difference.

Yet many women often brush off certain warning signs as minor or harmless—when in truth, they could be red flags for something much more serious.

Here are 15 symptoms that women should never ignore, along with why paying attention to them could save lives.

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

Dropping more than 10 pounds without dieting or increasing exercise may point to cancers such as stomach, lung, or pancreatic cancer.

2. Ongoing Fatigue

Extreme exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest could be a sign of leukemia, colon cancer, or thyroid problems.

3. Breast Changes

Lumps, changes in shape, redness, or nipple discharge may indicate breast cancer, even if they aren’t painful.

4. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause can be linked to cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer.

5. Pelvic or Abdominal Pain

Frequent bloating, cramps, or pelvic discomfort may point to ovarian or endometrial cancer.

6. Unusual Skin Changes

Dark spots, irregular moles, or sores that don’t heal can signal skin cancer.

7. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness

A cough lasting more than three weeks—especially with blood—may suggest lung or throat cancer.

8. Trouble Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing or feeling like food gets stuck could be connected to esophageal or throat cancer.

9. Unexplained Back Pain

Chronic back pain, particularly in the lower back, might be linked to ovarian or bone cancer.

10. Frequent Infections or Fevers

Recurring fevers or infections may point to blood cancers such as leukemia.

11. Lasting Bloating

Bloating that lingers for weeks can be an early indicator of ovarian cancer.

12. Changes in Bathroom Habits

Blood in urine or stool, ongoing constipation, or diarrhea lasting weeks may signal colon, bladder, or kidney cancer.

13. Mouth Sores That Don’t Heal

Persistent ulcers or white patches in the mouth can be early signs of oral cancer, particularly for smokers.

14. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lumps in the neck, groin, or armpit that don’t go away may indicate lymphoma or other cancers.

15. Ear Pain or Ringing

Chronic earaches, hearing loss, or ringing can sometimes be linked to nasopharyngeal cancer.

Final Thoughts

While these symptoms can often be caused by less serious conditions, they should never be ignored if they persist. Detecting cancer early gives the best chance for successful treatment.

If you notice any of these warning signs, make an appointment with your doctor. Paying attention could protect your health—and even save your life.