5. Lumps or Thickening
This red flag is about self-awareness. Finding a new lump or feeling a patch of skin that feels thickened is often the first sign of cancers that are close to the body’s surface.
- Breast Cancer: Regular breast self-exams are essential to note any new lumps, changes in skin texture, nipple discharge, or a change in breast size.
- Testicular Cancer: For men, finding a painless lump or swelling in the testicle is a hallmark sign of testicular cancer, often affecting younger men.
- Lymph Nodes: Swollen lymph nodes (e.g., in the neck, armpit, or groin) that remain enlarged for more than a few weeks, especially if they are painless and hard, should be checked. These are common sites for lymphoma or metastatic spread.
