A Guide to Cancer Symptoms and Early Detection at AHN West Penn

The idea of a cancer diagnosis — or even testing for cancer — can be scary. But finding cancer early can leave you with more treatment options.

At AHN West Penn Hospital, patients have access to comprehensive cancer screening clinics and a team of specialists focused on early detection.

Know the signs and symptoms

Cancer symptoms are not always easy to spot. Some may feel like common health issues, but certain changes in your body should not be ignored.

Common warning signs include:

• Low energy that doesn’t improve with rest
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss

If these symptoms continue, especially after making lifestyle changes, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

“Recent developments in cancer care mean people are living longer, even with more advanced diagnoses,” said Jenna Rowe, CRNP, a radiation oncology specialist at AHN. “But that’s only possible if patients listen to their bodies and speak up about their symptoms early.”

Some cancers also have more specific symptoms. It’s important to talk with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms described below.

Colorectal cancer symptoms

Colorectal cancer often develops slowly and may not cause symptoms right away. Over time, you may notice changes in your digestive health, such as:

• Stomach pain, discomfort, or cramping
• Blood in your stool
• Changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation
• Stools that appear thinner than usual

Screenings can help to find colorectal cancer before symptoms begin. Most people should start screening at age 45, or earlier if they have a family history of colorectal cancer or small growths in the colon called polyps. A colonoscopy is the most common and accurate screening, but your doctor can help you choose the best test for you.

Pancreatic cancer symptoms

Pancreatic cancer can be harder to find early because symptoms usually do not appear until the late stages of the disease. Paying attention to changes in your health is important.

Talk to your doctor if you experience:

• New development of diabetes with no family history
• Stomach or back pain
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Unexpected weight loss along with low appetite or fatigue

There is no routine screening for pancreatic cancer for most people. Early detection often depends on recognizing signs and seeking care quickly. If you are at higher risk due to a strong family history of cancer or certain genetic conditions, your doctor may suggest monitoring or testing.

Ovarian and uterine cancer symptoms

Pelvic cancers like uterine cancer and ovarian cancer may have shared symptoms that are easy to overlook or mistake for common conditions.

Watch for:

• Bloating or pelvic pain
• Feeling full quickly when eating
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Spotting between periods or after menopause

Regular gynecological exams and Pap smears — based on your age and health history — can help with early detection. If you notice unusual symptoms, your doctor may order other tests to figure out what’s causing them.

Don't wait to get checked

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Early answers can save lives.

AHN West Penn Hospital offers comprehensive cancer screening clinics, including:

• Weekly Monday clinics
• No-cost Saturday clinics held twice a year*

At these clinics, patients can receive up to six different screenings in a single visit, based on your eligibility, including:

• Skin
• Head and neck
• Lung
• Breast (for women)
• Pelvic
• Colorectal
• Prostate (for men)

To schedule a screening, call 412-359-6665 between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on weekdays or use AHN's online scheduling tool.

Screen. Test. Outsmart. Prevent.

Cancer Conversations is part of the AHN S.T.O.P. Cancer movement. Where together, we stay ahead of cancer.