Cancer causes and symptoms vary with each type of cancer. The causes of cancer may never be known but in other cases it can be pinpointed to the patient's life style or behavior. A smoker with lung cancer has an obvious cause of the disease, but someone who has never smoked and has no other risk factors for lung cancer can still develop this disease.

Cancer can occur for many different reasons. Those with one of the following risk factors may be more susceptible to getting cancer. Uses of alcohol and tobacco products are two of the major risk factors for cancer. Other risk factors include diet, family history, and pollution. One's occupation and environment can give them a higher risk factor of having cancer too. Causes and symptoms should be discussed with a physician when a patient has any of these risk factor especially family history.

Cancer can produce a variety of symptoms and signs. Many signs of cancer are not noticed or shrugged off as a common aches and pains until it becomes unbearable or produces other symptoms. The on set of cancer symptoms will depend upon the location and size of the cancer tissue. Cancer in the brain can be the size of a pin and cause major signs and symptoms. Other forms of cancer such as pancreatic cancer have to grow large and invade the space of other organs and tissues before symptoms are noticed by the patient.

The earlier cancer can be identified and treated the better the outcome for the patient's recovery. In cases like pancreatic cancer it is often detected once the cancer is already in advance stages. Warning signs of cancer should not be ignored. The following symptoms should be discussed with your doctor as soon as possible so that cancer can be ruled out or detected early. Some of the typical signs are unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain and even fever. You should also be concerned it you have long term changes in your stool such as diarrhea or constipation, skin changes like jaundice, sore that will not heal or excessive hair growth. If you have painful urination, difficulty urinating or blood in your urine you should also explore the causes with your doctor. One of the most obvious symptoms of cancer is unusual lumps or formations under the skin. Since signs and symptoms of cancer in its early stages can be very minor any changes in your normal behavior or health should be discussed with your physician.

It is important to be aware of your body. It is also important to be aware of your own risk factors for cancer. Always contact your physician so that you can receive the earliest treatment possible. It is very important to know your risk factor and reduce as many as possible.