While some cancer diagnosis come out of the blue, more often there are symptoms that may offer a warning sign of the disease – pay attention to your body to notice when something changes
There are more than 385,000 new cancer cases in the UK every year, that’s more than 1,000 every day, according to Cancer Research UK. However it is not all doom and gloom, cancer survival rates have doubled in the last 50 years in the UK and continue to improve.
While some cancer diagnosis come out of the blue, more often there are symptoms that may offer a warning sign of the disease. If you pay attention to your body you will find it easier to notice when something changes. The earlier cancer is spotted the easier it is to treat and the better the changes of survival.
Below are some signs that you should watch out for. While it is unlikely they will be cancer, it is important to be aware of new or worrying symptoms and talk to a GP so they can investigate.
Coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath
This is quite a general symptom that could be brought on by a lot of things. However if you suddenly find yourself getting out of breath when doing normal activities this could be a sign something isn’t right.
Shortness of breathe and chest pain can be a symptom of pneumonia, either way you should speak to a doctor immediately. You should also call if you have had a cough for three weeks or more.
Bleeding
Blood in unusual places and unexpected bleeding can be a warning sign. If you have noticed any of the following symptoms you should talk to a doctor.
- Blood in your urine
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Blood in stool, which can look dark or tarry
- Blood when you cough
- Vomiting blood
- Vaginal bleeding a year or more after the menopause (postmenopausal bleeding)
Lumps
It can be normal to have lumps and bumps, for example when you have a cold your lymph nodes can swell up, John Hopkins reports. But if you find a lump in your breast or a lump that’s noticeably increasing in size elsewhere on your body then its time to call a doctor.
Places to check regularly for lump and changes include breasts, underarms, groin and testicles
Difficulty swallowing or feeling full
If food is getting stuck in your throat or you feel full even when you’re hardly eating you should call a doctor. The NHS recommends speaking to a GP if you’ve had bloating for 3 weeks or more. If you have indigestion or heartburn frequently and are unsure why, call a doctor.
Changes in bowel habits
If you have noticed changes in the way you go to the toilet like the ones listed below and they have lasted more than three weeks, contact your GP.
- Tummy discomfort
- Blood in your poo
- Diarrhoea or constipation for no obvious reason
- A feeling of not having fully emptied your bowels after going to the toilet
- Pain in your stomach or bottom (anus)
- Your poo is loose, pale or looks greasy
For more information you can check the NHS website here and the Cancer Research UK list of signs and symptoms of cancer here.