Overview
Cancer is a condition where cells in the body grow in an uncontrolled way. Speak to a GP if you notice any symptoms that are not normal for you.
Possible symptoms of cancer
Different types of cancer all have their own symptoms.
General symptoms which could be a sign of cancer can include:
- a new lump or swelling anywhere on your body
- sweating a lot (particularly at night) or a high temperature that lasts a long time or keeps coming back
- feeling more tired than usual
- unusual bruising or bleeding (such as bleeding from your bottom, blood in your pee or vomiting blood)
- pain anywhere in your body that's not usual for you
- losing weight without trying or feeling less hungry than usual
- needing to pee more often or more urgently, or pain when you pee
Other symptoms of cancer may affect specific parts of the body.
Symptoms affecting your skin
Skin symptoms can include:
- a new mole, or changes to a mole anywhere on your body
- changes in your skin, such as a rash or sore that does not get better
- the whites of your eyes or your skin looking yellow (jaundice) – yellow skin may be harder to see on black or brown skin
Symptoms affecting your digestion
Digestion symptoms can include:
- heartburn or indigestion that's frequent, very painful or gets worse
- a swollen tummy (bloating) that happens often or lasts a long time
- changes in your poo, such as needing to poo more or less often than usual, diarrhoea or constipation that does not get better or gets worse
Symptoms affecting your mouth or throat
Mouth and throat symptoms can include:
- problems swallowing
- a hoarse or croaky voice that does not get better
- a sore or ulcer in your mouth that does not get better
- white or red patches in your mouth
Symptoms affecting your lungs and breathing
Lung and breathing symptoms can include:
- cough that does not get better or gets worse
- shortness of breath that does not get better or gets worse
- coughing up blood
Symptoms affecting your genitals (vagina or penis)
Vagina or penis symptoms can include:
- vaginal discharge that's not usual for you
- unusual vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods or after sex, or bleeding after the menopause
- difficulty getting an erection
- blood in your semen
See a GP if you have:
- symptoms of cancer
- any symptoms or changes that are not normal for you and you're worried could be cancer
If a GP thinks your symptoms could be a sign of cancer, you may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital.
Important
Most of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions.
Having these symptoms does not definitely mean you have cancer, but it's important to get checked by a GP.
If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.
Possible causes of cancer
Anyone can get cancer and it's not always clear what causes it. But there are things that can increase your risk of getting certain types of cancer.
These can include:
- getting older
- other people in your family having certain cancers
- your lifestyle – such as smoking, being overweight, exposure to too much sun and drinking too much alcohol
- having certain viruses – such as human papillomavirus (HPV) or hepatitis
- having certain conditions – such as severe acid reflux or Lynch syndrome (a condition that runs in families)
- the environment where you work or live – such as exposure to asbestos or air pollution
Reducing your risk of cancer
You cannot always prevent cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting some types of cancer.
Do
Waiting times
Accurately diagnosing cancer can take weeks or months. As cancer often develops slowly over several years, waiting for a few weeks will not usually impact on the effectiveness of treatment.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has produced referral guidelines for suspected cancer.
You should not have to wait more than 2 weeks to see a specialist if your GP suspects you have cancer and urgently refers you.
In cases where cancer has been confirmed, you should not have to wait more than 31 days from the decision to treat to the start of treatment.
Cancer services
Types of cancer
The Health A-Z covers possible types of cancer:
Blood, bones or bone marrow
Breast and chest
Tummy and digestive system
Head, neck and throat
Genitals and reproductive system
Skin
Other parts of the body
- Hodgkin lymphoma - affects the lymph system (part of the body's immune system)
- Mesothelioma - affects the lining that covers some of the body's organs
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma - affects the lymph system (part of the body's immune system)
- Soft tissue sarcoma - affects the tissues that connect and support other organs and parts of the body
Find out more
Cancer charities have more information about these and other types of cancer:
Common treatments for cancer
The treatment you'll have depends on the type of cancer.
The most common treatments for cancer include:
- surgery to remove the cancer
- chemotherapy, which uses medicines to kill cancer cells
- radiotherapy, which uses radiation to kill cancer cells
Treatment can also involve:
- immunotherapy, where medicines are used to help your immune system kill cancer
- hormone therapy to help stop or slow down the growth of cancer
You'll be looked after by a team of specialists who will work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you.
Support while you wait
Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline open every day from 8am to 8pm.
They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about.
Call 0808 808 00 00
More information
National cancer charities offering support and information about cancer, including the symptoms, types, causes and treatments: