You should always pay attention to your body, even when you don’t think the symptoms are anything out of the ordinary.  Here are some common signs of cancer that women in particular should never ignore:

1. Chronic Fatigue: Feeling tired at work all the time, don't really want to do much? Extreme fatigue and weakness that cannot be cured by getting a good night's sleep could be a sign of anemia caused by loss of red blood cells from leukemia, colon or stomach cancer.  

2. Unusual Weight Loss or Gain: Losing weight unexpectedly or without trying? If you haven't altered your daily routine, diet or workout, this could be a sign of cancer. As your body tried to fight the disease naturally, it can produce what's called cytokines which decrease appetite. 

3. Unusual shortness of breath: What you don't have enough oxygen in the blood you will have that feeling of shortness of breath. Your lungs will try to compensate by making you breathe more. 

4. Blood in the Urine: Blood in your urine or stool is a symptom you should always get checked out. This could be a sign of rectal or colon cancer. 

5. Discoloration of skin or moles: Any wart, mole or freckle that changes color, size or shape or loses its sharp border needs your doctor's attention right away. 

6. Breast changes: any abnormal lumps, changes in the look or feel of the skin and nipples of the breast should be brought to the attention of your physician.  Many of these conditions are benign, but there is no way of knowing unless there is further evaluation.

7. Bloating: bloating can be associated with diet or menstrual periods, but if the symptoms don’t go away over a few weeks’ time then it is prudent to see a doctor.  Constant bloating can be associated with ovarian cancer for some, so some blood tests, pelvic exams and ultrasound might be warranted.

8. Between-Period Bleeding: let your doctor know if you are bleeding between periods.  This can be a sign of endometrial cancer or abnormal hormonal changes.  

9. Difficulty swallowing: If you have persistent difficulty swallowing, which is also accompanied by weight loss or vomiting, you should see your doctor right away. This could be an indication of throat cancer or stomach cancer. Your doctor will do a throat exam and barium X-ray.