Background/Symptoms Of Cancer

It is difficult to give a definitive list of the signs and symptoms of cancer as there are so many different types. However, there are some examples that should prompt the sufferer to seek further medical advice. This list is not exhaustive and should not be used to guide any medical decisions.

• Unexplained weight-loss: this refers to any weight-loss that cannot be explained by dietary changes or changes to life-style habits. If you are losing weight for no known reason, please speak to your doctor.
• Blood appearing in any bodily secretion or product including urine, vomit, semen, faeces and sputum.
• An abnormal mass/lump/swelling may be felt in a bodily organ such as the breasts of testes. Abnormal masses may also make bodily functions such as swallowing more difficult.
• Persistent fever: this is a fairly non-specific symptom.
• Persistent cough.
• Persistent diarrhoea/constipation.
• A large/irregularly-shaped/multi-coloured mole.
• Unexplained pain.
• Heavy night sweats.

It is important to know, too, that these symptoms may be associated with other non-cancerous disease. However, if you noticed any of them, you should speak to your doctor about it as soon as practically possible.

If any aspect of your health changes for an un-expectedly long amount of time (a few weeks or longer), always speak to your doctor.