Warning signs

There are over 200 different types of cancer. Many can be treated and cured, and many are easier to treat and cure if found early. Most cancers begin with abnormal cells growing out of control, forming a lump known as a tumour. A tumour swelling is often painless. Some cancers do not form solid tumours, such as leukaemia in the blood.

Early signs and symptoms

There is a wide range of possible early symptoms of cancer. Being aware of your own body and your general health will help you to notice any changes that might be early symptoms of cancer or something that might need further investigation.

In many cases, swellings in the body may not be due to cancer. They are often caused by viral infections, glandular fever and other inflammatory conditions.

There is no clear-cut list of possible symptoms for cancer. The following are symptoms that, especially if combined with poorer general health than usual, may indicate cancer. If you are concerned about symptoms, ask for advice from your family doctor (GP) or the nurse in your local health centre.

• Ongoing chest or throat problems: coughing or hoarseness that lasts more than three weeks may be caused by lung cancer or one of the cancers of the head and neck, such as the voice box (larynx) or thyroid.
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits: unexplained changes in bowel movements, such as chronic constipation, diarrhoea or a change in the size of the faeces which last for over six weeks may be a sign of colon cancer. Frequecy and/or pain with urination, blood in the urine or change in bladder function could be related to bladder or prostate cancer.
• Unusual bleeding or discharge:  unusual bleeding can occur in early or advanced cancer. Coughing up blood may be a sign of lung cancer. Blood on the faeses could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Cancer of the lining of the womb (uterus) or cervix can cause vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods and after the menopause.
• Skin changes: skin changes can occur where cancers are inside the body as well as in skin cancers. These include darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation), which may also occur for people with black or brown skin; reddening (erythema); itching (pruritus); excessive hair growth (hirsutism); and sores that will not heal or keep coming back (ulceration).
• Lumps that do not go away: some cancers can be felt as lumps or thickening under the skin, particularly in the breast, testicles, glands and soft tissues of the body.
• Ongoing indigestion or swallowing problems:  indigestion that will not go away or keeps coming back, or swallowing problems, could indicate cancer of the gullet (oesophagus), stomach or throat (pharynx).
• Unexplained tiredness:  feeling very tired (fatigue) is often a key factor in a diagnosis of cancer.
• Pain:  in some cancers, such as bone cancers or testicular cancer, pain may be an early symptom.
• Unexplained weight loss: many people with cancer will experience weight loss at some point. Unexplained weight loss may be the first sign of cancer, particularly of the pancreas, stomach or lung.

Being aware of your body and general health will help you to look out for changes that might be early symptoms of cancer. These symptoms may not be due to cancer and may be treatable if you seek medical advice.

Support and information

If you are worried about possible symptoms of cancer, make an appointment to see your family doctor (GP). Your GP will be able to listen to your concerns and advise you on the best way to proceed with further tests if they are needed.

If you would like to talk through any of the early signs and symptoms of cancer, please ring the Macmillan CancerLine on freephone 0808 808 2020 or visit your nearest Macmillan information and support centre.