Cancer Symptoms Not to Ignore. Early Detection Saves Lives

Cancer affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds — including working adults, their families, and their colleagues. Nationally and globally, cancer remains one of the leading causes of illness and death, yet many cancers are highly treatable when detected early.

Because adults spend so much of their time at work, the corporate environment is a powerful space to promote health awareness, prevention, and early detection. A workplace that supports health does more than improve productivity — it protects lives, families, and communities.

Unfortunately, many people delay seeking medical care. They may be too busy, afraid of the diagnosis, concerned about medical costs, or unsure whether their symptoms are serious. This delay can allow cancers to progress to more advanced stages, making treatment more difficult and reducing survival chances.

The encouraging truth is this: early detection saves lives. When cancer is found early, treatment is often simpler, recovery is faster, and outcomes are significantly better.

Understanding cancer — and why awareness matters

Cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the body grow out of control and spread to surrounding tissues. Different types of cancer affect different parts of the body, and each has its own risk factors, warning signs, and screening methods.

Some of the most common cancers that affect adults in South Africa, and the workplace population include (the causes mentioned are the most common but not the only ones, sometimes the cause is unknown):

• Breast cancer — affects both women and men
• Cervical cancer — largely preventable through screening
• Prostate cancer — one of the most common cancers in men
• Colorectal (bowel) cancer — affects both men and women
• Lung cancer — strongly linked to smoking
• Skin cancer — linked to sun exposure
• Stomach and esophageal cancers — linked to diet, smoking, and infections
• Blood cancers (leukemia and lymphoma) — affect the blood and immune system

While these cancers differ, one thing is consistent: early detection makes a critical difference.

Know your body — and trust what it tells you

Your body communicates with you long before illness becomes severe. Subtle changes — like ongoing fatigue, pain, or changes in normal habits — may be early warning signs.

You are the best expert on your own body. If something feels unusual, persistent, or different from your normal, it deserves attention. Seeking medical advice early is not an overreaction — it is responsible self-care.

Many symptoms turn out to be caused by non-cancerous conditions. However, only a healthcare professional can confirm this. Checking early gives peace of mind or, if needed, the best chance for successful treatment.

Cancer symptoms you should NOT ignore

If any of the following symptoms last longer than 2–3 weeks, keep returning, or worsen, seek medical advice:

General warning signs (across many cancers)

• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fatigue that rest does not improve
• Ongoing pain with no clear cause
• Night sweats or unexplained fever

Breast cancer warning signs

• A new lump in the breast or underarm
• Changes in breast shape or size
• Skin dimpling or redness
• Nipple discharge or inversion

Cervical cancer warning signs

• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain

Prostate cancer warning signs

• Difficulty urinating
• Weak urine flow
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pelvic or lower back pain

Colorectal (bowel) cancer warning signs

• Persistent constipation or diarrhea
• Blood in stool
• Unexplained abdominal pain
• Feeling that your bowels do not empty fully

Lung cancer warning signs

• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

Skin cancer warning signs

• A mole that changes in size, shape, or colour
• A sore that does not heal
• Itching, bleeding, or crusting skin spots

Stomach and esophageal cancer warning signs

• Difficulty swallowing
• Persistent indigestion or heartburn
• Vomiting blood or black stools
• Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms do not automatically mean cancer — but they are signals that should never be ignored.

Prevention: reducing your cancer risk

Not all cancers can be prevented, but many are linked to lifestyle choices that we can change. Small, consistent habits can lower your risk:

• Avoid smoking and tobacco products
• Limit alcohol intake
• Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fibre
• Reduce processed and highly salted foods
• Stay physically active
• Protect your skin from the sun
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Get vaccinated where applicable (e.g., HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention)

Workplaces can support prevention by:

• Providing healthy food options
• Encouraging movement breaks
• Offering wellness talks and screenings
• Creating a culture that values health over presenteeism

The importance of screening

Screening tests can detect cancer before symptoms appear — when treatment is most effective. Important screenings include:

• Breast screening (mammograms) for women in recommended age groups
• Cervical screening (Pap smear or HPV test) for women
• Prostate checks for men at higher risk (PSA blood tests for men aged 40 and above and those with a family history of prostate cancer)
• Bowel screening for adults over a certain age or with family history, this is done by testing stool samples
• Skin checks for those with high sun exposure

Employees are encouraged to speak to their healthcare provider about which screenings are appropriate based on age, gender, and family history.

Breaking the silence around cancer

Fear, stigma, and misinformation still surround cancer. Many people avoid discussing symptoms or seeking help because they are afraid of bad news.

Open conversations in the workplace can change this. When colleagues share experiences, support one another, and encourage check-ups, it creates a healthier and more compassionate culture.

Leaders and managers can play a vital role by:

• Normalizing medical check-ups
• Allowing time off for screenings
• Showing empathy toward employees dealing with illness

Your health is your greatest asset

Your job, responsibilities, and ambitions matter — but none of them are possible without your health. Taking care of your body is not a distraction from work; it is an investment in your future.

Cancer is not always preventable, but it is often beatable when caught early.

Final message

Be aware. Be proactive. Be kind to your body.
Spot it early. Stop it early. Early detection saves lives.

Sources

1.https://cansa.org.za/cancer-research/

2.https://cansa.org.za/category/recent-posts/prevention-early-detection/world-cancer-day-4-feb/

3.https://cansa.org.za/how-referrals-to-cansa-work/

4.https://medwell.co.za/awareness-of-cancer/