Doctor warns - 'these are 17 main cancer symptoms, never ignore them'

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When it comes to battling cancer, early detection is crucial. The chances of successful treatment are significantly higher when the disease is caught in its initial stages.

According to Macmillan Cancer Support, approximately 393,000 people in the UK receive a cancer diagnosis each year, which translates to one person being diagnosed with cancer every 90 seconds on average. The charity also reports that cancer claims the lives of around 167,000 people in the UK annually, averaging 460 deaths per day.

Experts at the University of California San Francisco, have identified 17 key signs and symptoms of cancer that should not be ignored if noticed. They emphasize the importance of early detection.

They said: "Early detection is one of the best weapons against cancer. Screenings can detect a cancer before symptoms appear."

The experts advise, "You too can pick up on early warning signs by paying close attention to changes in your body. If you notice something new or different that lasts several weeks – and several weeks is key – reach out to your health care provider."

They caution that not every symptom that could be cancer is indeed cancer, but the following 17 symptoms may warrant a consultation with your doctor:, reports Gloucestershire Live.

The signs to look out for and what they could mean

1. Abnormal periods or pelvic pain

Irregular period or cramps are common and affect most women. However ongoing pain or changes in your cycle can be a sign of cervical cancer, endometrial cancer or ovarian cancer.

2. Changes in bathroom habits

Major changes in bodily functions can indicate colon cancer, prostate cancer or bladder cancer, among other cancers. Important signs to be aware of include persistent constipation or diarrhea; black or red blood in your stool; black, tarry stools; more frequent urination; and blood in your urine.

3. Bloating

We all feel bloated now and then. However bloating for more than two weeks can be a sign of ovarian cancer, as well as various gastrointestinal cancers.

4. Breast changes

Any changes to the breast including a new lump, dimpling, discolouring, changes around the nipple or unusual discharge could be significant. Although breast cancer mostly occurs in women, men can develop it too.

5. Chronic coughing

A cough that persists for more than two weeks, especially a dry cough, can be a sign of lung cancer.

6. Chronic headache

A headache that lasts more than a fortnight and doesn't respond to the usual medications can be caused by a brain tumour.

7. Difficulty swallowing

If you feel as though food is getting stuck in your throat or you have trouble swallowing for more than two weeks, it could be a symptom of throat cancer, lung cancer or stomach cancer.

8. Excessive bruising

A bruise on your leg from bumping into the coffee table is normal. However if you suddenly get a lot of bruises in unusual places you don’t remember bumping can be an indication of various blood cancers.

9. Frequent fevers or infections

Spiking a fever over and over or going immediately from one infection to the next can indicate an immune system that's been affected by leukaemia or lymphoma (Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s ).

10. Oral changes

Persistent sores, lesions or painful areas in the mouth, especially in people who smoke or drink heavily, can indicate various oral cancers.

11. Skin changes

Any changes in the appearance of a mole or birthmark could be indicative of skin cancer and should be checked. To remember which changes could be cause for concern, try using this memory aid, ABCDE.

• Asymmetry. One half of the mole or mark doesn't look like the other.
• Border. The edges are irregular or blurred.
• Colour. It’s varied or inconsistent, and it’s both black and brown.
• Diameter. It’s larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
• Evolving. It grows, bleeds or otherwise changes over time.

12. Pain that lasts

If you are experiencing persistent pain anywhere in your body that has no clear cause and doesn't respond to standard treatments then you should get it checked out.

13. Persistent fatigue

A sudden, lasting change in your energy level, no matter how much sleep you get, can be a sign of lymphoma or leukaemia.

14. Postmenopausal bleeding

There are a number of reasons you may experience bleeding after menopause, but if it persists, your doctor may want to check for cervical cancer or endometrial cancer.

15. Stomach pain or nausea

Unusual stomach discomfort that lasts more than two weeks can be a warning sign of liver cancer, pancreatic cancer or various digestive system cancers.

16. Unexplained weight loss

Most people will experience fluctuating weight over time. But losing weight when you're not trying or losing your appetite for what seems like no reason can potentially indicate many types of cancers, especially ones that have spread.

17. Unusual lumps

Any new lump or mass that doesn't go away should be evaluated. Lymph nodes, the small glands in the armpits, groin and neck that produce white blood cells to help fight infection, often become swollen when you have a cold. But if the swelling persists after you’re well, you should contact your doctor.

When to seek medical help

If you spot any of these symptoms or have concerns about your health you should consult a GP or other health care provider.

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