Itching in These 8 Body Areas Could Be a Warning Sign of Cancer — Here’s What Seniors Need to Know
Watch for:
Swollen lymph nodes (neck or armpits)
Night sweats
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
4. Itchy Abdomen
Could indicate: Diabetes or high blood sugar
An itchy stomach without any visible rash might mean your blood sugar levels are out of balance. Diabetes can cause dry skin, poor circulation, and nerve irritation — all of which lead to chronic itching.
Watch for:
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Tingling in hands or feet
Slow-healing cuts or wounds
5. Itchy Genitals
Could indicate: Infections or gynecological cancer
While most genital itching is linked to infections or hormonal changes, persistent itching that doesn’t respond to treatment — especially in postmenopausal women — may be an early warning sign of vulvar or cervical cancer.
Watch for:
Skin changes (thickening, sores, lumps)
Unusual discharge
Bleeding after menopause
Burning or irritation during urination
6. Itchy Palms and Soles
Could indicate: Liver or pancreatic cancer
An itch on your hands or feet — especially without a rash — might seem minor. But if it persists or worsens at night, it could be tied to liver or pancreatic issues. These cancers may cause a buildup of bile acids or toxins that trigger itching.
Watch for:
Yellow skin (jaundice)
Digestive issues
Fatigue
Sudden weight loss
7. Itchy Chest
Could indicate: Inflammatory breast cancer
This rare form of breast cancer doesn’t always present with a lump. Instead, it may cause red, swollen, or itchy skin that resembles the texture of an orange peel. Any skin changes on the chest — even just persistent itching — should be checked out.
Watch for:
Dimpling of the skin
Warmth or redness
Swelling or tenderness
Nipple inversion or discharge
8. Itchy Moles
Could indicate: Skin cancer (melanoma)
If a mole that’s been there forever suddenly starts to itch, change shape, bleed, or grow — that’s not normal. These could be signs of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
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