Symptoms

Cancer can cause changes to how your body normally looks and works. A 'sign' of disease is something that you can see. This could be a change to your skin or blood that you can see in your poo or pee.

A 'symptom' of disease is something that you feel and can describe to a doctor, but can’t see. For example, pain, tiredness or a headache.

It's important to be aware of any new or unexplained changes to your body.

These changes could be:

• a new lump or bump
• a lump or bump changing in appearance or size
• unexpected bleeding from any area
• unexplained bruising
• unexplained or persistent pain
• a change to your usual bowel habits
• a new or changing cough
• changes on your skin
• unexplained weight loss or weight loss without trying
• unexplained tiredness

These are common signs and symptoms that are often caused by other, non-cancerous illnesses. But if you notice anything that is unusual for you it's important to talk to your GP.

If your GP suspects cancer, they'll refer you to a specialist. The specialist will do further tests. They'll also plan any necessary treatment.

Lump or bump in your breast

Contact your GP if you have a lump:

• that is new
• that is changing in size or appearance
• in your breast or under your arm

Breast cancer - signs and symptoms

Coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath

Contact your GP if you have:

• a new cough that last for more than 3 weeks
• a cough that has changed or is different to your usual cough
• chest or shoulder pain that does not go away
• shortness of breath more than is normal for you
• blood when you cough

Changes in bowel habits

Talk to your GP if you have:

• blood in your pee or poo
• diarrhoea or constipation for no obvious reason
• a feeling of not having fully emptied your bowels after going to the toilet
• pain in your stomach or bum
• a feeling that your stomach is bloated all the time
• a feeling that you have no appetite or you are full very quickly after eating

Bowel cancer - signs and symptoms

Changes in your urine habits

Contact your GP if you have:

• blood in your pee
• needing to pee more frequently
• a feeling that you cannot fully empty your bladder
• straining or feeling that it is difficult to pee

Changes in your skin

See your GP if you have a mole that:

• has an uneven or crooked shape
• has an uneven border with jagged edges
• has more than one colour – it may have brown, black, red, pink or white flecks or patches
• is bigger than 7mm in diameter
• is itchy, crusting or bleeding

Any of the above changes means there's a chance you have malignant melanoma. This is a form of skin cancer.

Skin cancer - signs and symptoms

Bleeding

Contact your GP if you have any unexplained bleeding, such as:

• blood in your pee or poo
• blood when you cough
• blood in your vomit
• vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex
• bleeding when you are post-menopausal - it is at least 1 year after your last period

Unexplained weight loss