In an effective series of public-service announcements in the 1950s, the American Cancer Society risked offense to squeamish people by providing a plain-language list of early symptoms of cancer that should cause a patient to contact his or her physician immediately:

Any lump, especially in the breasts;

Unusual bleeding or discharge from nipples, vagina or rectum;

spitting of blood;

Persistent indigestion or difficulty in swallowing;

Any lasting change in normal bowel habits;

Passage of black stools;

unexplained weight loss;

Changes in color or size of a mole or wart;

Any sore that does not licit properly;

Persistent hoarseness or cough.

Source:

Consumer Reports Buying Guide Issue, 1956.