NHS Choices unveils typical signs, symptoms of cancer

NHS ChoicesSep 7 2010

More than 1/3 people in the UK will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime.

The good news is that some cancers can be cured if detected early enough.

The key is to be aware of unexplained changes to your body, and to know the common signs and symptoms of cancer.

While many cancer symptoms are common of other illnesses and usually nothing to worry about, you should see your GP if you have any of the below warning signs.

This is so your GP can check your symptoms and either rule out cancer, or get you treated immediately. You have a better change of defeating cancer if caught early.

Typical signs and symptoms of cancer.

1: A lump

See your GP if you notice a lump anywhere on your body. Your GP will refer you to a specialist for tests if they suspect cancer.

2: Coughing, breathlessness and hoarseness

See your GP if you've had a cough or felt breathless for more than two weeks, or if you have blood in your phlegm.

3: Change in bowel habits

See your GP if you've experienced one of the below changes and it's 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

4: Bleeding

See your GP about 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

5: 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

6: Unexplained weight loss

See your GP if you've lost a lot of weight over the past months that cannot be explained by your diet, exercise or stress.