An NHS doctor has warned that there are some ‘unexplained’ early symptoms of cancer that you should be aware of, encouraging people to speak to their GP if they’re concerned
NHS doctor Dr Ranj has encouraged people to get these ‘unexplained’ symptoms checked out rather than panicking about them at home, saying statistically, it’s unlikely to be cancer.
During an interview on the A Millennial Mind Podcast with host Shivani Pau, NHS’s Dr Ranj shared insights into “early signs and symptoms that allow us to detect whether we have it [cancer] in our bodies”.
Dr Ranj clarified: “So we talk all about being more aware of the signs and symptoms. One thing I want to point out is that cancer is not one thing.
“Cancer is a group term for over 200 different conditions, and there is no one sign of cancer. If there’s something that is unexplained, that you’re worried about, speak to somebody”.
However, the doctor did highlight certain symptoms that should prompt further investigation if they cause concern.
Weight loss
One such symptom is unexplained weight loss, which Dr Ranj noted could be alarming if you’re “unintentionally losing weight”.
He explained that cancer cells divide and grow rapidly, consuming significant energy. This increased energy use can cause your body to burn calories faster than normal, resulting in unintentional weight loss.
Night sweats
Another symptom to be vigilant about is night sweats. Some cancers, like lymphomas, can cause the release of proteins (cytokines) that lead to systemic inflammation and disrupt temperature regulation, causing excessive sweating during the night.
New lump or bump
Additionally, Dr Ranj mentioned that a new lump or bump could be a warning sign.
A new lump or bump could be a sign of cancer as it may suggest abnormal cell growth, where cells are dividing uncontrollably, forming a mass. This mass could potentially be a tumour, which may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Malignant tumours have the ability to invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body, which is a key characteristic of cancer.
Dr Ranj gave an example of a “mole that’s changing,” or “a sore or an ulcer that won’t heal”. Skin changes can be a sign of cancer because cancerous cells can cause disruptions in normal skin cell growth and repair processes.
For instance, the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in skin cancers, such as melanoma, can lead to visible changes like new moles, sores that don’t heal, unusual pigmentation, or other alterations in the skin. These changes may reflect underlying mutations or damage caused by cancerous processes.
Blood in urine or stool
Blood in urine or stool can be a sign of cancer because it might indicate tumours in the urinary tract, bladder, colon, or rectum that have started to bleed. These tumours can grow and disrupt normal tissues or blood vessels, causing bleeding that may appear as blood in urine or stool.
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Dr Ranj shared that if you’re experiencing vaginal bleeding “between periods, after sex, or after menopause,” this could be a sign you should see your doctor.
Bleeding from the vagina outside of regular periods, following sex, or during menopause could be a warning sign of cancer, as it might reflect abnormal developments in reproductive system tissues like the cervix or uterus.
Such unusual growth can break down normal blood vessels or cause irritation, leading to unexpected bleeding.
Changes in testicles
Turning to testicular worries, Dr Ranj advised that if you notice “that are new” changes in your testicles, it’s time for a chat with your GP.
Testicular alterations, such as enlargement, lumps, or firmness, can indicate cancer, with testicular cancer typically starting as an irregular cell growth in the testes. These transformations result from the tumour changing the testicle’s usual shape and sensation.
New or persistent cough
If you’ve developed a new or lingering cough, pay attention: this might signal cancer, especially lung cancer, as growths in the lungs or airways may provoke tissue irritation or create a blockage. The resulting cough is the body’s attempt to clear whatever is getting in the way.
Changes in bowel habits
Lastly, shifts in bowel habits point to a potential health issue, particularly colorectal cancer. Tumours in the colon or rectum could lead to intestinal blockages or irritation, altering how waste processes through the gut.
Tumours can change the size or shape of your stool (for example, pencil-thin stool), cause constipation or diarrhoea, or result in blood in your stool, all of which are potential warning signs for cancer.
It’s crucial to remember that often, changes in bowel movement could be due to factors like diet, infections, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
If you’re worried, have a chat with your GP.
Dr Ranj urged folks to simply “be aware” of these “sorts of things” so if they occur to you, you’re armed with the knowledge to act quickly.
“In isolation, these things do not automatically mean cancer,” Dr Ranj stated, “because with cancer, often you’ll get more than one symptom”.
He added: “Even if you have these symptoms, please don’t panic because chances are it’s not cancer. So if you’re sitting at home and you’re like, ‘My gosh, I’ve got that symptom’ or ‘I’ve got those symptoms,’ don’t immediately assume it’s cancer because the likelihood is that it isn’t”.
Dr Ranj emphasised that it’s vital not to “sit at home and fret about it or ignore it” and to “speak to a healthcare professional” if you’re concerned about anything.
