The NHS has issued a list of cancer symptoms that you should never ignore – and if you have any of them, you should contact your GP practice
People are being reminded that those daily symptoms – including breathlessness, coughs or any unusual lumps – that shouldn’t be pushed aside.
If an illness is persistent, contacting a GP is a wise move, it might just be a false alarm and set you at ease. Some of the signs of cancer might be more obvious than others, but if something’s nagging at you, don’t delay – get it checked out.
Early detection can be a lifesaver; it’s reassuring if it’s nothing serious, but if it’s potentially grave your GP will line up further investigation. Timely treatment for cancer is crucial, so reach out to your GP practice without hesitation if you feel off, especially with symptoms persisting over three weeks, fetch attention to blood in your urine or sudden, unexplained lumps.
Professor Peter Johnson from NHS England, the national clinical director for cancer, said: “Cancer symptoms can come in different shapes and sizes and some can be less obvious than others, so it’s important to know what is normal for you and take notice of any changes.
“We know that many people don’t want to bother anyone with their health concerns – particularly if they are unsure about them – but we would always prefer you to contact your GP practice so that you can be checked.
“It’s vitally important to contact your GP practice if something doesn’t feel right. If something in your body doesn’t feel right, it’s vitally important to come forward. Diagnosing cancer earlier saves lives, so we would prefer to see you sooner when cancer can be treated more easily and successfully.
“Blood cancers altogether makeup the fifth most common type, with over 41,000 diagnosed every year in the UK. The symptoms can seem quite general – such as breathlessness, night sweats or feeling very tired for no obvious reason – but if something isn’t right, please contact your GP practice.
“It might be nothing serious, but it could save your life.” Visit nhs.uk/cancersymptoms for more details.
