Unexplained weight loss
Decrease in appetite and weight loss are vague symptoms that can be present in most of the cancer patients. But it is still important not to ignore them and tell your health care provider as soon as possible so that he can perform a complete physical examination and carry out some laboratory tests to find out real cause behind unexplained weight loss.
An unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more can be an alarming sign of cancer. In fact, 40% of cancer patients tell that they had unexplained weight loss when first diagnosed with cancer. Weight loss is more common among patients with metastatic tumor and research reveals that up to 80% of people with metastatic cancer have weight loss and cachexia.