World Cancer Day: 12 most common symptoms of cancer you might be ignoring

Cancer symptoms: Top 14 early signs to look out for

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There are more than 200 different types of cancer and each type has different symptoms. However, there are some general symptoms that can occur with most types of cancer. It’s impossible to learn all the signs and symptoms of every type of cancer overnight, but understanding the general signs could save a life. Express.co.uk reveals the 12 most common symptoms of cancer, according to Cancer Research UK

Unexplained pain or ache

Pain is one way our bodies tell us that something is wrong.

As we get older, it‘s more common to experience aches and pains.

Unexplained pain, however, could be a sign of something more serious.

Very heavy night sweats

Sweating at night can be caused by infections or it can be a side effect of certain medications.

It’s also often experienced by women around the time of menopause, but very heavy, drenching night sweats can also be a sign of cancer.

Unexplained weight loss

Small weight changes over time are quite normal, but if you lose a noticeable amount of weight without trying to, tell your doctor.

Unusual lump or swelling anywhere

Persistent lumps or swelling in any part of your body should be taken seriously.
That includes any lumps in the neck, armpit, stomach, groin, chest, breast or testicle.

Fatigue

There are lots of reasons you may feel more tired than usual, particularly if you’re going through a stressful event, or having trouble sleeping.

But if you’re feeling tired for no clear reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong – speak to your doctor.

Changes to the skin

The skin repairs itself very quickly and any damage usually heals within a week or so. When a spot, wart or sore doesn’t heal, even if it’s painless, a doctor needs to check it.

Most moles are harmless. But be aware of any new moles or existing moles that change in size, shape or colour, become crusty, itch, hurt, bleed or ooze.

Any unusual change in a patch of skin or a nail, whether it’s a new change or has been there for a while, should be checked out by your doctor.

Affected voice and breathing

Having a croaky voice or feeling hoarse can be common with colds. But a croaky voice that hasn’t gone away on its own should be checked out.

Coughs are common with colds and some other health conditions, but if an unexplained cough doesn’t go away in a few weeks or gets worse, it could be a sign of cancer.

It’s not unusual to feel out of breath every now and then (especially when active) but if you notice that you’re feeling breathless more than usual or for a lot of the time, tell your doctor.

Trouble eating

Any symptoms you’re experiencing that affect your eating could be cancer.

Some medical conditions, including certain cancers, can make it difficult to swallow.

Talk to your doctor if you are having difficulty swallowing and the problem doesn’t go away.

It is normal to feel slight discomfort or pain sometimes after eating a large, fatty or spicy meal.

But if you have heartburn, (acid reflux) or indigestion a lot, or if it is particularly painful, then you should see your doctor.

Appetite loss is another sign of cancer. Speak to your doctor if you’ve noticed you’re not as hungry as usual and it’s not getting any better.

Changes in your poo or urine

A change in your bowel habits, such as constipation, loose stools or pooing more or less frequently, can often be due to diet or lifestyle changes.

However, if have problems peeing, if there’s blood in your pee or poo, or you can’t understand why you’re experiencing changes, see your GP.

Problems peeing might be needing to go more often or urgently, experiencing pain when peeing, or not being able to go when you need to.

These symptoms can all be caused by conditions other than cancer, but it’s best to get them checked out.

Unexplained bleeding or blood

Unexplained bleeding can often be caused by something far less serious than cancer, but you should always report it to your doctor to get to the bottom of the problem.

This includes blood in your poo or pee, and vomiting or coughing up blood – no matter how much or what colour (it could be red, or a darker colour like brown or black).

It also includes any unexplained vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause.

Mouth ulcer or patch that won’t heal

It’s common to get ulcers (small sores) in the mouth when you’re a bit run down – they usually get better in about two weeks.

An ulcer or red or white patch that doesn’t heal after three weeks should be reported to your doctor or dentist.

Persistent bloating

It’s quite common to experience a bloated or swollen tummy that comes and goes from time to time.

However, if you feel bloated most days (even if it comes and goes) talk to your doctor because this could be a symptom of cancer.

Unusual breast changes

We all know to check for lumps, but they are not the only breast changes to tell the doctor about.

You should look out for changes in the size, shape or feel of a breast, or any skin changes, redness, or pain in the breast.

Don’t forget any nipple changes too, including fluid, which could be blood-stained, leaking from the nipple if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Breast cancer is most common in women, but whatever your gender it’s important to tell your doctor about any unusual breast changes.

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