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Many cancers are easier to treat and cure if found early. There are over two hundred different types of cancer. Most cancers begin with abnormal cells growing out of control, forming a lump known as a tumour. Some cancers do not form solid tumours, such as leukaemia in the blood. 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.
A tumour swelling is often painless. In most cases, swellings in the body are not likely to be due to cancer. They are usually caused by viral infections, glandular fever and other inflammatory conditions.
General symptoms of cancer
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 (General Practitioner/GP) or the nurse in your local surgery.
Ongoing chest or throat problems - Coughing or hoarseness that lasts more than three weeks could 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 stool, which last for over six weeks could be a sign of colon cancer. 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 stool/motion could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Cancer of the lining of the womb (uterus) or cervix can cause vaginal bleeding in between menstrual periods.
Skin changes - Skin changes can occur in internal cancers as well skin cancers. These can include: darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation); 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.
Pain - In some cancers, such as bone cancers or testicular cancer, pain may be an early symptom.
Unexplained weight loss - Most 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 general health will help you to look out for early symptoms.
These symptoms may not be due to cancer, but may be treatable if you seek medical advice. Therefore it is very important that you don't panic if you have any of the above symptoms; however you are advised to see your doctor as soon as possible.