Cancer: Symptoms of 5 types of silent cancers

Most cancers do not show symptoms in their early stages and even if they do, they can be easily mistaken for other benign conditions. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can be life-threatening, which is why 'silent' cancers make the most dangerous form of cancers. These can either be asymptomatic or may showcase symptoms that don't seem serious enough to be checked or examined. That said, here are 5 types of silent cancers and their symptoms.

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Pancreatic cancer is the cancer of the pancreas. It occurs when cells present in the pancreas grow uncontrollably and go on to form a mass, also called a tumor. Most pancreatic cancer is detected in people aged 65 and above. Factors such as smoking diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, and family history of pancreatic cancer, can influence your risk of the disease. Early detection is key, which is why do not ignore symptoms listed below:

- feeling or being sick

- unexplained weight loss

- abdominal pain

- yellowing of eyes and skin (jaundice)

- a build-up of fluid in your abdomen - ascites

- Dark-coloured urine

- Fatigue

There can be several types of cancer that can form in the liver, the most common being hepatocellular carcinoma. This type of cancer begins in the main type of liver cells called hepatocytes. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include:

- Losing weight without trying

- Loss of appetite

- Upper abdominal pain

- Nausea and vomiting

- General weakness and fatigue

- Abdominal swelling

- Yellow discoloration of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)

- White, chalky stools

Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix. Almost all cervical cancers are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), says the World Health Organization (WHO). Usually, early stage cervical cancer causes no signs or symptoms, but they may gradually start displaying symptoms such as:

- Vaginal bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause

- Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor

- Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

Ovarian cancer is the cancer of the ovaries. It occurs when cells start to grow uncontrollably and lead to a mass in the reproductive organ. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, which is why it is important to diagnose it on time and start treatment. Here are symptoms that you should note:

- Abdominal pain, bloating or swelling

- Frequent urination

- Changes in bowel habits

- Discomfort in the pelvis area

- Unexplained weight loss

Colon cancer is the cancer of the large intestine. It usually develops from small, benign 'clumps' of cells called polyps that grow in the colon. If left untreated, it can become colon cancer. Early detection therefore plays a significant role in curbing the risk. Symptoms include:

- Change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation

- Blood in the stool

- Persistent abdominal discomfort or pain

- A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely

- Weakness or fatigue

- Unexplained weight loss