Cancer has been the leading cause of death in Taiwan for 44 consecutive years. According to the 2023 Ministry of Health and Welfare statistics, over 50,000 people die from cancer annually—equaling one life lost every 10 minutes.

The most common cancers among men are colorectal, liver, and lung cancer; for women, breast, colorectal, and lung cancer top the list. Moreover, cancer is increasingly affecting younger populations, with a growing proportion of diagnoses under age 45.

“Cancer doesn’t appear suddenly—it’s a long-accumulated warning from your body.” — Dr. Tseng Chao-Wei, Lucky Preventive Medicine

Most cancers show early signs, but these changes are often mistaken as minor issues, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Tseng emphasizes: recognizing these 10 early warnings is essential health knowledge for modern adults.

Top 10 Early Cancer Warning Signs: How Many Apply to You?

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

   Losing more than 5% of body weight in 1–2 months without dieting or exercise may signal digestive, pancreatic, or hepatobiliary cancers.

2. Persistent Fatigue and Weakness

   Feeling exhausted despite adequate sleep could relate to blood cancers, colorectal cancer, or endocrine disorders.

3. Difficulty Swallowing or Indigestion

   Persistent esophageal obstruction, bloating, acid reflux, or nausea beyond two weeks may indicate stomach or esophageal cancer.

4. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

   Thin stools, blood in stool, alternating diarrhea/constipation; for men, urinary difficulties or frequency—watch for colorectal or prostate cancer.

5. Sores or Ulcers That Don’t Heal

   Wounds in the mouth, skin, or mucous membranes lasting over two weeks may suggest precancerous lesions.

6. Abnormal Bleeding

   Including coughing blood, blood in urine/stool, or abnormal vaginal bleeding—promptly screen for lung, bladder, colorectal, or uterine cancers.

7. Lumps or Hardened Areas

   Any lump in the breast, armpit, neck, abdomen, or testicles should be immediately examined.

8. Changes in Moles or Skin Patches

   Rapid growth, darkening, or irregular edges in moles may signal melanoma or skin cancer.

9. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness

   A cough lasting over three weeks, especially with chest pain or bloody phlegm, may indicate lung or laryngeal cancer.

10. Unexplained Long-Term Pain

    Ongoing headaches, back pain, or bone discomfort without clear cause could reflect early metastatic cancer.

    
    

Doctor’s Advice: Regular Screening × Awareness × Early Detection

Dr. Tseng states: “We’ve seen too many patients only seek help when symptoms become unbearable—often at advanced stages. Just a little more awareness and initiative can greatly improve survival rates.”

He recommends that the following groups stay vigilant and undergo regular cancer risk assessments and screenings:

• People over 50 (especially higher risk for colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers)

• Those with smoking, alcohol, obesity, or family cancer history

• Individuals with chronic inflammation, poor sleep, high stress, or low immunity

Lucky Phoenix Health Management Center | Supporting Early Detection, Truly Keeping Cancer Away