Cancer warning signs include which of the following?

• A. A lump or thickening in the breast or elsewhere
• B. Frequent headaches
• C. Hair loss
• D. Joint pain after exercise

Answer: (A)

A lump or thickening in the breast or elsewhere is a warning sign because cancer can form a solid mass that feels different from surrounding tissue. When a new lump or thickening appears, it warrants prompt medical evaluation to determine whether it is benign or something requiring further testing, such as imaging or biopsy. Early detection through noticing changes and reporting them to a clinician can improve outcomes.

Frequent headaches, hair loss, and joint pain after exercise are not specific cancer warning signs. Headaches can result from many non-cancer causes; hair loss is commonly due to treatment or other conditions; joint pain after activity is usually related to musculoskeletal factors.