Signs and symptoms of cancer
Patient and Public Resources
Spotting Cancer Symptoms
There are many different types of cancer, and each can have its own signs and symptoms. You don’t need to memorise them all. The most important thing is to listen to your body—if something doesn’t feel right, speak to a healthcare professional.
Your GP and other health professionals are trained to take possible cancer symptoms seriously. If they think your symptoms might be cancer, they will arrange further tests as a priority.
General symptoms to look out for
Talk to your GP if you notice any of these symptoms, or anything unusual that doesn’t go away:
- Fatigue – feeling more tired than usual all the time, or tired for no clear reason
- Persistent cough – a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks or gets worse
- Bleeding – blood in your poo or pee, or coughing up blood
- Unexplained aches – pain that doesn’t go away and isn’t linked to an obvious injury
- Unusual lumps – lumps or swellings anywhere on your body, including breasts, testicles, groin, neck, or stomach
- Unexplained weight loss – losing a significant amount of weight without changing your diet or activity
- Night sweats – heavy sweating at night that soaks your clothes or bedding
Most of the time, these symptoms are caused by something less serious than cancer—but it’s always best to get them checked.
- Macmillan – Signs & Symptoms of Cancer
- Be Cancer Aware Signs of Cancer
Do all cancers have the same symptoms?
No. Different cancers have different symptoms. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to any changes in your body and speak to your GP if something doesn’t feel right.
Should I wait and see if symptoms go away?
No. If a symptom lasts more than a couple of weeks or gets worse, contact your GP. Early action can make a big difference.
Are these symptoms always caused by cancer?
Most of the time, symptoms like tiredness, coughs, or aches are caused by something less serious. But it’s always best to get checked to be sure.
What if I’m worried about wasting the doctor’s time?
You’re not wasting anyone’s time. GPs are trained to take possible cancer symptoms seriously and will make sure you get the right tests if needed.
Can cancer symptoms come and go?
Yes, sometimes symptoms can come and go. If you notice a pattern or something unusual, don’t ignore it—book an appointment.
What should I do if I notice more than one symptom?
Contact your GP as soon as possible. Having more than one symptom doesn’t always mean cancer, but it’s important to check.
Do I need to know all the signs of cancer?
No. The most important thing is to trust your instincts. If something feels wrong or unusual for you, speak to a healthcare professional.
- For information on how to spot cancer early
- For more advice on when to go to your GP about symptoms
