Cancer Symptoms Cancer Symptoms That Women Need to Know By Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC Brandi Jones MSN-Ed, RN-BC is a board-certified registered nurse who owns Brandi Jones LLC, where she writes health and wellness blogs, articles, and education. She lives with her husband and springer spaniel and enjoys camping and tapping into her creativity in her downtime. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 28, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Doru Paul, MD Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Doru Paul, MD, is triple board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. He is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and attending physician in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Recognizing the signs and symptoms of cancer is important because early diagnosis and intervention can be life-saving. It’s also essential to stay current with cancer screening such as mammograms, pap smears, and colon cancer screening. While the symptoms mentioned in this article can be caused by benign (non-cancerous) conditions, it’s always best to see a healthcare provider if you are experiencing them. This article reviews symptoms of cancer in women including pelvic pain, bloating, lower back pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge, fever, night sweats, changes in bathroom habits, fatigue, and weight, vulva, and breast changes. Pelvic Pain BSIP/UIG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images Pain below the waist is normal near your period. But if it lasts longer than that, see a healthcare professional. Pelvic pain (lower belly between the hips) is common for ovarian and endometrial (also called uterine) but can also be seen with these cancers: Cervical Fallopian tube Vaginal Recognizing Pelvic Pain Constant Bloating Nikodash/iStockphoto Abdominal swelling and bloating are symptoms of ovarian cancer. Lots of things can cause your belly to bloat, so this is an easy symptom to overlook. See a doctor if bloating is so bad that you can't button your pants or have to go up a size. When Abdominal Swelling Could Mean Ovarian Cancer Lower Back Pain Dirima/Getty Images Lower back pain often feels like a dull ache or labor pains. Check with a healthcare provider if the pain doesn't go away. It may be a symptom of ovarian cancer. The Most Common Symptoms of Low Back Pain Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge Image Source/Getty Images Abnormal vaginal bleeding is a common symptom of gynecologic cancer. Heavy periods, bleeding between periods, and bleeding during and after sex are reasons to seek medical care. Bleeding is linked to these cancers: CervicalUterine OvarianVaginal When to Worry About Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding Fever or Night Sweats Sam Edwards / Getty Images If a fever lasts longer than seven days on and off, talk to your healthcare provider. A stubborn fever or night sweats can be a sign of cancer, especially leukemia and lymphoma. Fevers caused by cancer can come in cycles. This is when you get a temperature around the same time each day. It may go away for a few days or weeks and then return. Other cancers that can be caused by cancer include: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) Hodgkin lymphoma Ovarian Acute or chronic leukemia Kidney (renal) Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) Soft tissue sarcoma Adrenal gland tumor Tumors in the hypothalamus (a part of the brain) Keep in mind that lots of other health conditions also cause fevers. What are Night Sweats? Night sweats are defined as sweating profusely during sleep. They are so severe that you have to change pajamas or bedding. While they can be caused by benign (non-cancerous) conditions, they should be reported to a healthcare provider. Fever as a Cancer Symptom Changes in Bathroom Habits Domino/The Image Bank/Getty Images Bowel (pooping) habits can change from time to time. If you notice any of these changes, mention them to a healthcare provider: Constipation Diarrhea Blood in the stool Gas Thin or loose stools Rectal bleeding (pooping blood) A feeling that your bowel won't empty all the way Changes in how often you have a bowel movement These symptoms could be due to something you ate. This is especially true if you have: Problems digesting dairy Celiac disease Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) However, there is also a chance they may be related to gynecologic cancers such as vaginal, ovarian, or colon cancer. Frequent or Urgent Urination (Peeing) Ovarian and vaginal cancer can also cause more frequent or urgent urination (peeing). Weight Change Image Source / Getty Images Your weight can go up and down throughout the month. But if you lose 10 pounds or more without trying, talk to a healthcare provider. Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of the following types of cancer: Ovarian Colorectal Pancreatic Gastro-esophageal Lung Renal (kidney) Myeloma (rare blood cancer) Non-Hodgkins lymphoma Biliary tree Weight gain and weight cycling can also raise the risk of cancer in women after menopause. Weight cycling is a pattern of gaining then losing weight. Should You Be Concerned by Unexplained Weight Loss? Vulva Changes BSIP/Getty Images It's a good idea to look at your vulva and vagina regularly. Watch for symptoms of vulvar cancer like these: Sores, blisters, or lumps on the vulva Blisters Skin color changes Skin changes that look like a rash or warts Itching or burning Bleeding on the vulva that does not go away Discharge Pelvic Pain After Urination or Sex While pelvic pain that gets worse after urination or sex can be caused by benign (non-cancerous) conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), it can also be. sign of vulvar cancer. How to Perform a Vulvar Self Exam Unusual Breast Changes Ian Hootan/Getty Images Changes in your breasts can indicate breast cancer. It is most common in women 50 years and older. Signs and symptoms to watch for during your monthly breast self-exam include: Lumps (especially hard lumps) Lumps that don't move easily or go away with menstrual cycle changes Skin changes (redness, swelling, dry, thick, itchy rash) Nipple discharge (when not pregnant or breastfeeding) A nipple that turns inward Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone Dimpling or puckering of the breast Breast pain not related to your period (this is an extremely rare symptom). If you notice any changes, discuss them with a healthcare professional right away. How to Do a Breast Self Exam Fatigue Tara Moore/Taxi/Getty Images Fatigue is a common cancer symptom. It's more common when cancer is advanced, but it can occur in the early stages. Cancer fatigue is different from being overly tired. It doesn't go away from a good night's sleep or caffeine. If fatigue keeps you from normal daily activities, it's best to talk to your healthcare provider. While this is not an all-inclusive list, cancers that may cause fatigue include: Leukemia Lymphoma Multiple myeloma Some bone cancers Colon (most likely from blood loss that leads to anemia) Stomach (most likely from blood loss) Metastatic (cancer that moves to another part of the body) lung Metastatic ovarian Some breast cancers' Cancers that affect the endocrine or autonomic nervous systems Fatigue as a Symptom of Cancer Summary Symptoms such as pelvic pain, bloating, lower back pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, vulva changes, and unusual breast changes can indicate gynecological (specific to the female reproductive system) cancers. Fever, night sweats, changes in bathroom habits, and weight changes can indicate cancers such as colon cancer, pancreatic, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and more. While the symptoms mentioned in this article can be caused by benign (non-cancerous) conditions, it’s always best to see a healthcare provider if you are experiencing them. A Word From Verywell Early treatment raises your chances of surviving cancer. That's why it's so important to notice and seek care for changes like these. If you have pain, bloating, fever, bleeding, or changes to your bathroom habits, talk to a healthcare professional. The same goes for changes in your breasts, vulva, weight, or energy levels. Chances are, your symptoms aren't cancer. But speaking up about your symptoms could lead to an early diagnosis and treatment if cancer is the culprit. Frequently Asked Questions What are the four most common cancers in women? According to data from the National Cancer Institute, the top four cancers in women include breast, lung, colorectal, and skin. What cancers have no symptoms? Many cancers including breast, ovarian, colorectal, and more can be asymptomatic (without symptoms), especially in early stages. This is why screening tests are important and genetic testing is often recommended for those at high risk. How do you check for cancer? Because there are varying signs and symptoms of breast cancer, it’s important to know what is normal for you. This includes noting any pain, bloating, abnormal vaginal bleeding, fever, bathroom habits, weight loss, breast changes, and fatigue. Screening tests such as self breast exams, mammograms, pap smears, genetic testing (for those at high risk), and colon cancer screening can help with early detection of cancer. Originally written by Lisa Fayed Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! 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