1. Persistent Bloating That Doesn’t Go Away
Feeling bloated after a heavy meal is normal. But if your abdomen feels constantly full, heavy, or swollen — especially for more than 2–3 weeks that’s a red flag. Persistent bloating can be an early sign of stomach, ovarian, or colorectal cancer. Don’t wait it out.

2. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying might sound like a blessing, but it isn’t. If you’ve lost 4–5 kg or more without any change in diet or exercise, your body is signalling something wrong internally. Unexplained weight loss is one of the most consistent warning signs across multiple GI cancers, including pancreatic and stomach cancer.

3. Blood in Stool — Even a Little Bit
Many people see blood in their stool and immediately assume it’s piles (haemorrhoids). Sometimes it is. But blood in the stool, whether bright red or dark and tarry, should always be evaluated by a doctor. It can indicate colorectal cancer, and self-diagnosing as “just piles” is a dangerous habit I see far too often.

4. Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
If food or liquids are getting stuck in your throat or chest — or if swallowing feels painful or uncomfortable — please don’t ignore it. This symptom, known as dysphagia, can be a warning sign of esophageal cancer. Many patients describe it as “feeling like a lump in the throat” and mistake it for acidity for months.

5. Sudden Change in Bowel Habits
My bowel routine is probably different from yours. Sometimes I notice that my bowel movements change a lot. For example, I might be constipated one day. Have diarrhoea next. My stool might become narrower. Sometimes I feel like my bowel is not fully empty. If these changes happen to you and they last for more than three or four weeks, you should pay attention to your body. These changes can be signs of cancer.

6. Yellowing of Skin or Eyes (Jaundice)
Have you ever noticed that your skin or eyes turn yellow? This is called jaundice. It can also make your urine yellow. Jaundice is often related to liver problems. It can be caused by an infection. It can also be a sign of a more serious problem, like liver cancer or pancreatic cancer. If you or someone in your family notices this yellowing, you should go see a doctor.

7. Persistent Upper Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
Upper abdominal pain that just won’t go away — even after antacids or dietary changes — deserves a proper evaluation. When patients tell me, “Doctor, I’ve been having this stomach pain on and off for 4 months,” that’s already too long to have waited. Persistent pain in the upper abdomen can point to stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, or gallbladder issues.