For years, doctors reassured Linda Chavez that her symptoms were nothing serious. However, she was later diagnosed with metastatic bronchial carcinoma, a type of lung cancer that had already reached stage four by the time it was detected.

With no chance for a cure, she is now sharing five critical warning signs of cancer in hopes that others won’t go through the same experience.

Five Cancer Warning Signs to Pay Attention To

Cancer Research UK reports that there are over 200 types of cancer, each with its own set of symptoms. Some affect specific areas like the skin or stomach, while others present more general warning signs, such as fatigue, unexplained pain, and weight loss. In Linda’s case, her cancer spread beyond her lungs, causing symptoms that were initially dismissed. Here are five warning signs she wants people to be aware of:

1. Persistent Bone Pain

Linda experienced deep, throbbing pain throughout her body—similar to the sensation of stubbing a toe but radiating and constant. This was a sign that the cancer had spread to her bones. Unlike ordinary aches, metastatic lung cancer can cause persistent pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication.

2. A Cough That Won’t Go Away

For years, Linda had a persistent dry cough that seemed more irritating than concerning. However, it gradually worsened. “Eventually, it was deeper, it felt very painful, and it felt piercing in my chest,” she recalled. A cough lasting more than eight weeks is often a sign of a serious underlying issue. Many, like Linda, ignore it until it’s too late. If your cough lingers, don’t wait—get it checked by a doctor.

3. Extreme Fatigue

Linda’s exhaustion wasn’t just regular tiredness—it was overwhelming. No amount of sleep, coffee, or rest could make her feel better. Even breathing became painful. “I literally had to take shallow breaths due to the pain I was feeling every time I was inhaling or exhaling,” she shared. Fatigue is one of the earliest and most commonly overlooked signs of cancer, especially when combined with other symptoms.

4. Chronic Headaches

Occasional headaches are normal, but waking up with one every day for nine months is not. Linda had relentless headaches that required daily painkillers just to function. While headaches aren’t usually linked to lung cancer, when the disease spreads to the brain, they can become a persistent issue. The pain is often worse in the morning and doesn’t go away with rest, making it easy to dismiss as dehydration or stress.

5. Persistent Nausea

In the weeks leading up to her diagnosis, Linda experienced worsening nausea. She later learned that the cancer had spread to her brain, specifically the right frontal lobe, which affects hunger, cravings, and nausea. Many people mistake ongoing nausea for stress, diet issues, or a sensitive stomach. However, when nausea persists without a clear cause, it may signal something more serious. If it doesn’t subside, seeing a doctor is crucial.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Linda’s experience highlights the importance of paying attention to seemingly minor symptoms. While these signs don’t always indicate cancer, ignoring them can lead to late-stage diagnoses when treatment options are limited. If you or a loved one experience any of these persistent symptoms, it’s best to seek medical advice as soon as possible.