It is important to be aware of any unexplained changes to your body. Typical signs and symptoms of cancer are listed below.
While many of these symptoms are common of other illnesses and usually nothing to worry about, it is important that your GP checks them out to rule out cancer.
Signs and symptoms of cancer
Lump
See your GP if you notice a lump anywhere in your body. Your GP will refer you to a specialist for tests if they suspect it is cancer.
Coughing, breathlessness and hoarseness
See your GP if you have had a cough or felt breathless for more than two weeks, or if you have blood in your phlegm when you cough.
Changes in bowel habits
See your GP if you have experienced one of the below changes and this has lasted for more than a few weeks:
- blood in your stools
- diarrhoea or constipation for no obvious reason
- a feeling of not having emptied your bowel properly after going to the toilet
- pain in your abdomen (tummy) or back passage
Bleeding
See your GP if you have any unexplained bleeding, such as:
- blood in your urine
- bleeding between periods
- blood from your back passage
- blood when you cough
- blood in your vomit
Moles
See your GP if you have a mole that:
- has an irregular or asymmetrical shape
- has an irregular border with jagged edges
- has more than one colour (it may be flecked with brown, black, red, pink or white)
- is bigger then 7mm in diameter
- is itchy, crusting or bleeding
Any of the above changes means there is a chance you have malignant melanoma
Unexplained weight loss
See your GP if you have lost a lot of weight over the last couple of months that cannot be explained by changes in your diet, exercise or stress.
More information
Macmillan: signs and symptoms of cancer
Cancer Research UK: cancer signs and symptoms
NICE guidelines: referral for suspected cancer
