Itching in These 8 Body Areas Could Be a Warning Sign of Cancer — Here’s What Seniors Need to Know

Itching is common and often harmless, caused by dry skin, bug bites, or irritants. However, persistent itching in specific areas without an obvious cause may indicate an underlying health issue, particularly in older adults.

Itchy eyes that accompany yellowing skin or fatigue could signal liver problems or liver cancer. The liver’s role in filtering toxins means dysfunction can cause irritation. Watch for jaundice, dark urine, and upper abdominal discomfort.

Persistent nasal itching might point to rare nasal or sinus cancers. Signs include unexplained congestion, nosebleeds, facial swelling, or reduced sense of smell.

An itchy neck without rash could be linked to lymphoma, as the lymph nodes in this area respond to changes in the immune system. Accompanying symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.

Itching on the abdomen may indicate diabetes, with symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, tingling in extremities, or slow-healing wounds. Similarly, persistent genital itching, especially post-menopause, can suggest infections or early gynecological cancers.

Itchy palms, soles, or chest skin can sometimes signal liver, pancreatic, or inflammatory breast cancers. Watch for jaundice, skin dimpling, redness, swelling, or nipple changes. Additionally, itching moles may indicate melanoma; look for asymmetry, irregular borders, color changes, or growth.

See a doctor if itching lasts more than two weeks, recurs in the same area, worsens over time, or comes with other unusual symptoms. Persistent, unexplained itching may be an early warning sign, and timely evaluation can lead to early detection and better outcomes.