Most of the symptoms below are far more likely to be caused by something other than cancer. But cancer is easier to treat when it is found early, so it is worth knowing which changes to get checked. If you notice any of these, especially if it is new, has no clear reason, or does not go away after about three weeks, make an appointment with your doctor.
1. Weight loss you cannot explain
Losing weight without trying, for example 5% of your body weight over six to twelve months, should be checked. It has many possible causes, including thyroid problems and stress, and it can also be an early sign of some cancers, such as cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus or lung.
2. A fever or night sweats that keep coming back
Most fevers are caused by infections and pass quickly. A fever that keeps returning without a clear reason, or heavy night sweats, can occasionally be a sign of blood cancers such as lymphoma or leukaemia.
3. Pain that does not go away
Pain with no obvious cause that lasts for weeks, such as a headache, back pain or pain in a bone, should be checked. Most long-lasting pain is not caused by cancer, but a doctor can look for the reason.
4. Tiredness that rest does not fix
Extreme tiredness that does not improve with sleep can have many causes, including anemia, thyroid problems and depression. Some cancers cause tiredness, sometimes through slow blood loss that leads to anemia.
5. Changes to your skin or a mole
See a doctor about a mole that changes size, shape or color, bleeds or itches, or a new mark or sore that does not heal. Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice) should be checked promptly.
6. A cough or hoarseness that lasts more than three weeks
A cough or hoarse voice that lasts more than three weeks, coughing up blood, or getting out of breath more easily than usual should be checked, especially if you smoke or used to smoke.
7. Changes in your bowel habits or blood in your poo
Tell your doctor about blood in your poo, looser or more frequent poo, constipation that lasts more than three weeks, or a feeling that your bowels have not emptied properly. These changes are often caused by other conditions, but they can be signs of bowel cancer.
8. Changes when you pee
Blood in your pee, needing to pee more often or more urgently, or pain when you pee should be checked. Urinary infections are the most common cause, but blood in the urine can occasionally be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer.
9. Unusual vaginal bleeding
Bleeding between periods, after sex or after the menopause should always be checked. It can have many causes, but it can be a sign of cancer of the cervix, womb or vagina. Keep up with cervical screening when you are invited.
10. A lump or change in your breast
Get to know how your breasts normally look and feel. See a doctor about a lump or thickening, a change in size or shape, a nipple that turns inwards, discharge (especially if it has blood in it), or skin that puckers or looks like orange peel. Most breast lumps are not cancer, but every new lump should be checked.
11. Indigestion or trouble swallowing
Heartburn or indigestion that keeps coming back, or food feeling stuck when you swallow, should be checked, especially if you are over 55 or have lost weight.
12. Mouth ulcers or patches that do not heal
Mouth ulcers usually heal within two to three weeks. See a doctor or dentist about an ulcer, a red or white patch, or a lump in your mouth that lasts longer than that.
Other changes to know about
- a lump or swelling anywhere in the body, including the neck, armpit, groin or tummy
- bloating on most days, which can be a sign of ovarian cancer
- bruising or bleeding you cannot explain
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment if you notice a change that is unusual for you, does not go away, or keeps coming back. You are not wasting anyone’s time. If you have already seen a doctor and the symptom does not improve, go back. Take part in the cancer screening programs you are invited to, because they can find some cancers before any symptoms appear.
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