Detecting cancer early in many, but not all, cases
improves the chance of being cured. Early detection can either be via a screening programmes that are available on the NHS for breast and
cervical cancer (see screening) or presenting early to your doctor should you have
any of the following signs:-
These signs don't necessarily mean you have cancer but many represent
another illness - so it is important to present to your doctor.
Lumps
Most breast and testicular cancers are found first by the person with the
cancer or their partner. We should all become familiar with how our bodies
feel and look. So when there is a change we notice it quickly. Get into the
habit of feeling your breasts or testicles regularly. Notice how the skin
looks and feels. Become familiar with the shape and any lumpiness that is
normal for you. If there is anything unusual, go to your GP. Back
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Coughing
blood. This is an important sign. Although there are other
causes lung cancer should be ruled out with investigations from your doctor. Back
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Coughing and hoarseness
If you have a cough for more than 2 weeks, get it checked by your GP. It
will probably just be inflammation or infection. But if it is cancer, the
earlier you find out, the easier it will be to treat and possibly cure. If
there is any blood in your sputum when you cough it up, you should
definitely go to the doctor.
A hoarse voice that lasts more than 2 weeks or keeps coming back could be a
sign of cancer of the larynx (voice box). It may just be laryngitis, but you
should get it checked. Back to top
Moles
You should see a doctor if you notice any changes to a mole such as:-
- Bleeding
- Itching
- Getting bigger
- Changing in shape or colour
If you have a lot of moles, or moles in places that are difficult for you to
see, ask someone close to help you examine them. They will need to become
familiar with where your moles are and what they look like. It may be even
worth measuring or photographing a mole if your not sure.
You may be at high risk if you have a family history of melanoma and more
than 50-100 moles. You can be put onto a mole register. You will then attend
a screening clinic regularly where your moles can be examined by a doctor or
specially trained nurse. Any changes can then be picked up quickly. Back
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Bowel habits
This is a case of what is normal for you. Notice how often you normally have
a bowel motion and whether it is normal for you to have a looser or firmer
stool. Then if your usual pattern of going to the toilet changes, see your
doctor. If you are having difficulty passing stools or wanting to strain
frequently then you should see your GP.
A stool that looks black, like tar, may mean that you have bleeding
somewhere in your bowel. This needs checking urgently. If you notice fresh
blood, it is probably piles. But it could be cancer, so you should have an
examination at the GP to rule it out. Piles are normally painful or itchy,
so fresh blood without either of those signs should definitely be
investigated. Back to top
Bleeding
Bleeding that is not a period may not be caused by cancer, but it is a sign
that something is wrong and should be checked.
If you have bleeding from the back passage, you probably have piles, but it
could be an early sign of a cancer.
Vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or at any time if you are past
your menopause, could be a sign of cancer of the cervix or womb. Again,
there are many other more likely causes, but see your doctor to rule cancer
out.
Blood in the urine could be a sign of infection. But it could be a sign of
bladder or kidney cancer and so should be checked by your GP. Be aware,
though, that pink or red urine can be caused by colouring in medicines or
foods, or naturally coloured foods that you have eaten such as beetroot or
blackberries. If you can rule those out, then go to the doctor.
If you vomit and notice blood you should tell your doctor straight away. It
is most likely to be from a bleeding stomach ulcer or from irritation to the
stomach lining. But it could also be cancer. Any of these need checking by a
doctor.
Frequent nosebleeds are unlikely to be caused by cancer. But very rarely,
this could be a sign of leukaemia, although it is unlikely to be the only
sign. Back to top
Losing weight
If you suddenly lose a lot of weight in a short time, when you are not
dieting, then get a check up. A lot of weight means roughly 5kg or 10lbs
over a couple of months (but this also depends on your normal height and
weight).
Note- in most cases, these symptoms will turn out to be something other
than cancer. But they are all signs of illness and so you won't be wasting
your doctor's time getting them checked out. And the sooner the better.
Further general information Your doctors and specialist nurses are in
an ideal position to give you relevant information on your disease and treatment
as they know your individual circumstances. Cancerbackup
has a help line (0808 800 1234) and a prize
winning video available in English, Italian,
Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati & Hindi explaining Radiotherapy &
Chemotherapy. Cancernet.co.uk has over
500 pages describing cancer, its management, practical tips and tool which
patients, their carers and their doctors have found helpful during the cancer
journey.
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