Possible symptoms of cancer

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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

 

Symptoms of suspected oral cancer

• Unexplained ulceration or growth in the oral cavity lasting for more than 3 weeks or

• Unexplained tooth mobility, not associated with dental issues

• A persistent and unexplained lump in the neck.

• A red or red and white patch in the oral cavity.

 

Symptoms of suspected throat cancer

• People aged 45 and over with:

  • Persistent unexplained hoarseness of voice > 6 weeks or

  • An unexplained lump in the neck

• People aged 45 and over with:

  • Difficulty in swallowing persisting for > 3 weeks or

  • An unexplained lump in the neck

 

Symptoms of suspected Breast cancer

• Aged 30 and over and have

  • An unexplained breast lump with or without pain or

  • An unexplained lump in the axilla.

• Aged 50 and over with any of the following symptoms in one nipple only:

  • Discharge

  • Retraction

 

Symptoms of suspected gynecological cancer (Cervix, Endometrium, ovary)

• vaginal discharge that's not usual for you

• unusual vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods or after sex, or bleeding after the menopause

• unexplained vulval lump, ulceration or bleeding.

• persistent abdominal distension (women often refer to this as 'bloating') and pelvic or abdominal pain

• increased urinary urgency and/or frequency.

 

Symptoms of suspected urogenital cancer (Male)

• Any lower urinary tract symptoms, such as nocturia, urinary frequency, hesitancy, urgency or retention or

• Erectile dysfunction or Visible haematuria.

• Elevated PSA: Age related cut-off measurements for PSA:

  • 40-49 years > 2.5 ng / ml

  • 50-59 years > 3.5 ng / ml

  • 60-69 years > 4.5 ng / ml

  • 70-79 years > 6.5 ng / ml

• a non-painful enlargement or change in shape or texture of the testis or unexplained or persistent testicular symptoms.

• A persistent penile lesion after treatment for a sexually transmitted infection has been completed

 

Symptoms of suspected urological cancer (Urinary bladder, Renal)

• People aged 45 and over and have:

  • Unexplained visible haematuria without urinary tract infection or

  • Visible haematuria that persists or recurs after successful treatment of urinary tract infection, or

• People aged 60 and over and have unexplained non-visible haematuria and either dysuria or a raised white cell count on a blood test.

 

Symptoms of suspected hematological cancer (Lymphoma, Myeloma, Leukemia)

• People aged 60 and over with persistent bone pain, particularly back pain, or unexplained fracture

• Adults presenting with

  • Unexplained lymphadenopathy or Splenomegaly

  • any associated symptoms, particularly

    • Fever

    • Drenching night sweats

    • Shortness of breath

    • Generalised itching or

    • Weight loss of > 10% in less than 6 months.

 

Symptoms of suspected upper gastro-intestinal cancer (Esophagus, Stomach, Liver, Pancreas)

• Difficulty in swallowing or

• Aged 55 and over with weight loss and any of the following:

  • Upper abdominal pain

  • Reflux

  • Heartburn.

• Aged 40 and over and have jaundice.

• People with an upper abdominal mass consistent with gall bladder cancer.

• People with an upper abdominal mass consistent with enlarged liver.

 

Symptoms of suspected lower gastro-intestinal cancer (Colorectal)

• People with a rectal or abdominal mass consistent with colorectal cancer

• People aged 40 and over with unexplained weight loss and abdominal pain or

• People aged 50 and over with unexplained rectal bleeding or

• People aged 60 and over with:

  • Iron-deficiency anaemia or

  • Changes in their bowel habit, or

  • Tests show occult blood in their feces.

 

Symptoms of suspected brain tumor

• Adults with progressive, sub-acute loss of central neurological function such as

  • Seizures

  • Hemiplegia etc.

 

Symptoms of suspected bone tumors / sarcoma

• Adults with an unexplained musculoskeletal lump that is increasing in size.

 

Symptoms of suspected lung cancer

• Have chest X-ray findings that suggest lung cancer or

• Are aged 40 and over with unexplained haemoptysis.

• People aged 40 and over if they have 2 or more of the following unexplained symptoms, or if they have ever smoked and have 1 or more of the following unexplained symptoms:

  • Cough

  • Fatigue

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chest pain

  • Weight loss

  • Appetite loss.

 

Symptoms of suspected skin cancer

• a new mole, or changes to a mole anywhere on your body

• changes in your skin, such as a sore that does not get better

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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.

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See a GP if you have:

• Symptoms of suspected cancer

• Any symptoms or changes that are not normal for you and you're worried could be cancer

 

If your GP suspects that your symptoms could be a sign of cancer, you may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a Surgical / Medical specialist in PMGH for initial consultation and further evaluation.

 

Referral recommendation for the GP​​​​​

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