4. Unusual Bleeding or Bruising
Blood where it doesn’t belong is one of the clearest signals the body can send. Research shows that bruising and bleeding appear as early warning signs in a significant portion of people diagnosed with leukemia.
The form this bleeding takes matters for understanding which cancer might be involved. Vaginal bleeding between periods, bleeding after intercourse, and watery or foul-smelling vaginal discharge can all be signs of gynecologic cancers such as cervical or uterine cancer. Any bleeding after menopause is also a cause for concern. Blood in the stool points toward colorectal cancer, while blood in the urine can indicate bladder or kidney cancer. Any unexplained bleeding warrants prompt medical attention.