Cancer often goes undetected for years, only to emerge in a much more advanced form later on. Recent data shows that in India, only 29 per cent of all cancers are diagnosed at early stages. But what if it were possible to detect cancer at “stage 0”? Popular cancer surgeon Dr Shailesh Puntambekar said on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast that certain warning signs at a young age could, in fact, represent “pre-cancerous” conditions.
We reached out to a few oncologists to confirm Dr Puntambekar’s warning list. “Yes, these can be considered as warning signs that something may not be right in the body and, in some cases, they may indicate a pre-cancerous or early-stage condition,” confirms Dr C N Patil, HOD and Lead Consultant – Medical Oncology & Haemato-Oncology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.
Here’s a detailed breakdown.
Cancerous moles may appear irregular in shape or size, elevated, and multi-colored
1. Continuous/frequent blisters in the mouth
Dr Patil says that these can be considered as warning signs that something may not be right in the body and, in some cases, they may indicate a pre-cancerous or early-stage condition.
“If the blisters fade away by themselves, then they are not signs of cancer or pre-cancerous conditions,” cautions Dr Vishnu Agarwal, Sr Surgical Oncologist, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre. Dr Patil recommends waiting for two weeks before panicking.
2. White patches inside the mouth/cheeks/tongue
Dr Agarwal cautions that if these leukoplakic patches persist, increase in size, or change colour, for example, from white to red, and later become ulcerated, these are “worrisome signs”s and should be evaluated and treated, either with medication or surgical removal (excision) of the patches.
Those who smoke, chew tobacco, or consume alcohol regularly should be extra cautious, as per Dr Hitesh Singhavi, Consultant – Head and Neck Oncosurgery, KIMS Hospitals, Thane.
3. Frequent diarrhoea (1-4 days) or constant constipation
If a person experiences frequent diarrhea or persistent constipation that does not improve with medication, they should undergo a colonoscopy to check for any lesions inside the colon
If a person experiences frequent diarrhoea or persistent constipation that does not improve with medication, Dr Agarwal recommends a colonoscopy to check for any lesions inside the colon. “If a lesion is found, it could be a polyp or a frank cancer. Polyps are considered pre-cancerous conditions, as some of them (not all) can progress to cancer. If polyps are present, a biopsy can help determine whether cancer has developed or if it remains at a pre-cancerous stage.” Dr Singhavi points out that it could be linked to colon or stomach cancer.
4. Unexplained weight loss
As per the experts, unexplained weight loss without any change in diet or exercise could be a sign of several cancers, but doesn’t confirm anything.
“Usually, unexplained weight loss is not present in pre-cancerous conditions, because most of them are not significantly symptomatic and do not interfere much with normal function. But it is a definite warning sign of cancer, especially when the disease is already developed or advanced,” says Dr Agarwal.
Usually, unexplained weight loss is not present in precancerous conditions, because most of them are not significantly symptomatic, but it can be a sign
5. Mole increasing in size
All three experts confirm that a mole starting to increase in size could be a pre-cancerous indication.
“A mole that changes in size, shape, or colour—or begins to bleed—can be an early indicator of skin cancer (melanoma) and should be promptly examined by a dermatologist,” Dr Singhavi notes.
6. Sudden appearance of a lump on the body
“A sudden lump or swelling in any part of the body, especially if it is hard and painless, should not be ignored as it might indicate an abnormal growth of cells,” warns Dr Patil.
These lumps, according to Dr Sanghvi, could represent early breast, lymphatic, or soft tissue malignancies.
“Sudden lumps are often caused by infection or injury, not by cancer. Pre-cancerous lumps tend to be slow-growing, such as those in the breast or other body parts. So, sudden appearance is not a sign of a pre-cancerous condition,” Dr Agarwal weighs in.
Are there any other signs as well?
Persistent fatigue or unexplained weakness in the 20s could be a sign of Cancer Stage 0
Dr Agarwal, Dr Patil, and Dr Singhavi list these signs that could indicate ‘Stage 0’.
- Persistent fatigue or unexplained weakness — not always due to stress or overwork.
- Prolonged cough or hoarseness lasting more than three weeks, especially if it doesn’t respond to treatment.
- Abnormal bleeding, such as blood in urine, stool, sputum, or vomit.
- Non-healing wounds, sores, or ulcers, which could indicate pre-cancerous changes.
- Persistent pain in the back, stomach, or bones that doesn’t go away despite rest or medication.
- Changes in appetite or difficulty swallowing, which may signal digestive system concerns.
- Frequent infections or slow-healing wounds, pointing to possible weakened immunity
- Stomach ulcers that persist or bleed — if blood appears in vomit or stool, an endoscopy should be done to rule out pre-cancerous lesions.
Lump formation in the breasts, change in nipple or areola, or bloody discharge could be early indicators of cancer
Warning signs in women
- Irregular menstrual cycles or abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding between periods or after intercourse.
- Pelvic pain or discomfort that persists.
- Breast changes — lump formation, change in nipple or areola, or bloody discharge (possible sign of intraductal papilloma).
- Such cases may require pap smear, pelvic examination, or breast sonography for further evaluation.
Warning signs in men
- Persistent chronic cough that doesn’t improve, which could indicate early lung disease or malignancy.
- Lump or swelling in the testicles, which should never be ignored
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Persistent pain in the back, stomach, or bones that doesn’t go away despite rest or medication could be a sign of cancer 
Cancerous moles may appear irregular in shape or size, elevated, and multi-colored
If a person experiences frequent diarrhea or persistent constipation that does not improve with medication, they should undergo a colonoscopy to check for any lesions inside the colon
Usually, unexplained weight loss is not present in precancerous conditions, because most of them are not significantly symptomatic, but it can be a sign
Persistent fatigue or unexplained weakness in the 20s could be a sign of Cancer Stage 0
Lump formation in the breasts, change in nipple or areola, or bloody discharge could be early indicators of cancer
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