From bloating to losing your voice – the 22 most common cancer symptoms you should get checked today
THERE are more than 200 different types of cancer that can cause all sorts of symptoms.
From bloating to losing your voice – it seems like nearly anything can be a sign of the disease.
But there are 22 indicators that crop up most often, according to Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
And spotting them early and seeing a doctor straight away gives you the best chance of survival, the charity adds.
Dr Julie Sharp, head of health and patient involvement, said: “If you notice a change to your health that’s unusual for you or isn’t going away, contact your GP as soon as you can.
“Your doctor is there for you and wants to hear about any concerns.”
1. Fatigue
It’s fairly common to feel more tired after a stressful week at work or following a disruption to your normal routine.
“But if you’re feeling tired for no clear reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong,” Dr Sharp said.
Fatigue often appears in people suffering from blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, as well as breast and prostate cancer.
2. Aches and pains
Unexplained or persistent aches and pains can also be a sign of cancer.
The location of these could indicate the type – chest pain for lung cancer, for example – but it may also mean the disease has spread.
3. Bruising
If you’re clumsy, you’ll likely have a few bruises on your body.
But if these appear when you haven’t bumped into anything, it could indicate something more serious.
Unexplained bruising is a common symptom of leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
4. Night sweats
Having a high temperature or sweating while you sleep could be a sign you have an infection.
It may also be a side effect of certain medications, the menopause or anxiety.
But particularly heavy or persistent night sweats can be a sign of several cancers, including leukaemia, lymphoma, kidney cancer and advanced medullary thyroid cancer.
5. Weight loss
If you step onto the scales and the number is significantly lower than normal (and you haven’t been trying to lose any weight), it could be time for a cancer screening.
As many as 40 per cent of people diagnosed with cancer say they experienced some form of weight loss beforehand, according to CancerNet.
Unexplained weight loss is most common in patients with lung cancer, upper gastrointestinal cancers, oesophageal cancer, small bowel cancer, pancreatic cancer and liver cancer.
6. Coughing
A certain amount of coughing, particularly during the winter, is to be expected.
But if your cough is persistent, or you are coughing up blood, it could be a sign of lung cancer.
7. Lumps or swelling
An unusual lump or swelling anywhere on the body could be cause for concern, Dr Sharp said.
While it may be caused by a sports injury, persistent lumps or swelling, particularly in the neck, armpit, stomach, groin, chest, breast or testicle, should be taken seriously.
8. Appetite loss
Losing your appetite is another red flag symptom of cancer, according to Dr Sharp.
She said: “It can happen for many different reasons, but speak to your doctor if you’ve noticed you’re not as hungry as usual and it’s not getting any better.”
Stomach, pancreatic, bowel and ovarian cancer can put pressure on your stomach and make you feel too full to eat.
9. Mole changes
People with skin cancer might notice a new mole appear, or a change in the size, shape or colour of an existing one.
These marks can also bleed, itch or become crusty, which can suggest melanoma.
10. Skin changes
But it’s not just moles. Other skin changes, such as sores, bumps or growths that won’t heal, can also indicate skin cancer.
The ABCDE checklist – which looks at asymmetry, border, colour, diameter and evolution – can help you monitor changes.
11. Heartburn
Some cancers can give you persistent indigestion or heartburn, which can make you burp more than normal.
The most common culprit is oesophageal cancer.
12. Croaky voice
If you have a croaky or hoarse voice for more than three weeks, it could be a sign of laryngeal, throat or lung cancer, CRUK says.
13. Ulcers
Mouth ulcers that don’t heal are common in mouth and oropharyngeal cancer patients.
Dr Sharp said if they stick around for more than three weeks, you should see a doctor or dentist.
14. Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, can be a sign of oesophaegal, mouth or throat cancer.
This may present as a pain or burning sensation, or a tightness.
15. Breathlessness
Most people feel at least slightly out of breath if they’ve climbed some steep stairs or had to run for the bus.
But feeling breathless a lot of the time is something to watch out for.
It is one of the primary symptoms of lung cancer, or cancer that has spread there from elsewhere in the body.
16. Breast changes
You should see your GP if you notice any of the following changes in your breast area as they could be a sign of breast cancer:
- A new lump or area of thickened tissue
- Change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- Discharge of fluid from either nipple
- A lump or swelling under either armpit
- Puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness on the skin
- Crusting, scaly or itchy skin on or around either nipple
- Sunken nipples
17. Bloating
It is normal to feel a little bloated every now and then, especially after a big meal or around the time of your period.
But consistent bloating that lasts all day for up to three weeks is one of the most common early signs of ovarian and bowel cancer.
18. Bowel habit changes
The main symptoms of bowel cancer include:
- Changes in your poo (e.g. softer, looser, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you)
- Needing to poo more or less often than normal
- Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
If you experience any of these for more than three weeks, it’s important to see a GP.
19. Blood in poo
Blood in your poo, or poo that is black or dark red, is also a sign of bowel cancer and needs to be checked out.
20. Vaginal bleeding
Unexpected vaginal bleeding, including after sex, between periods or after the menopause, is another cancer red flag.
Nine in 10 women with womb, or uterus, cancer have abnormal vaginal bleeding, according to the American Cancer Society.
21. Blood in pee
Blood in your urine, known medically as haematuria, is the most common symptom of bladder cancer.
It is usually painless, but always needs investigating.
22. Problems weeing
Another sign of bladder cancer is being unable to wee.