All of the following are warning signs or symptoms of cancer, except one?

Appeared in: Raj. CHO -2024

Explanation

The mere presence of a wart or a mole is not considered a warning sign for cancer, as these are very common and usually benign.
The actual warning sign is an 'Obvious change in a wart or mole,' which is part of the 'CAUTION' mnemonic for cancer detection.
Changes to monitor for in a mole include Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter increase (greater than 6mm), and Evolving appearance (the ABCDEs of melanoma).

Option A: Unexplained weight loss is a significant systemic symptom associated with various cancers, indicating a potential metabolic disturbance caused by the tumor.
Option B: A change in the size, shape, or feel of a lump, or the appearance of a new thickening, is a classic warning sign for cancers like breast cancer. This corresponds to 'T' in the CAUTION mnemonic.
Option C: Persistent hoarseness or a nagging cough can be a symptom of laryngeal, lung, or thyroid cancer. This corresponds to 'N' in the CAUTION mnemonic.

Visual 1: Infographic: The 7 warning signs of cancer using the CAUTION mnemonic, with simple icons for each sign.
Visual 2: Chart: The ABCDEs of Melanoma, showing visual examples of normal vs. potentially cancerous moles.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Cancer warning signs (CAUTION mnemonic) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in educating patients and the public about the CAUTION warning signs to promote early detection and improve treatment outcomes.
When a patient presents with any of the warning signs, a nurse's priority is to perform a thorough health history and assessment, and facilitate a prompt referral for diagnosis.
What if? If a patient reports a mole that has been present since childhood and has not changed, the nurse would reassure the patient but still advise regular self-monitoring, as opposed to the urgent referral needed for a new or rapidly changing lesion.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative framing of the question: 'except one'. This means you are looking for the option that is NOT a warning sign of cancer.
Evaluate each option against your knowledge of common cancer symptoms.
Recall or apply a standard mnemonic for cancer's warning signs, such as CAUTION.
Analyze Option A: 'Unexplained weight loss' is a well-known systemic sign.
Analyze Option B: 'Change in the size of a lump' is a classic sign ('T' in CAUTION).
Analyze Option C: 'Hoarseness of voice' is also a known sign ('N' in CAUTION).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Lewis Medical Surgical Nursing p. 876-879

Practise the full Raj. CHO -2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.