The NHS has put out a ‘be aware’ cancer alert, encouraging everyone to familiarise themselves with symptoms from head to toe that might signal the disease
Getting to know what’s normal for your own body is absolutely crucial, health officials say, because spotting something unusual early can make all the difference to survival rates.
An NHS spokesperson shared on X: “If something in your body doesn’t feel right, and you’re worried it could be cancer, contact your GP practice. Know what’s normal for you. Get to know your body and be aware of any new or concerning changes.”
Warning signs of cancer can show up just about anywhere on the body least every 90 seconds on average
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Macmillan Cancer Support reports that someone in the UK receives a cancer diagnosis at least every 90 seconds on average.
But with more than 200 different types of cancer known to exist, warning signs can pop up just about anywhere in the body – affecting organs, blood, bone marrow and the immune system.
The health service has outlined several general red flags to watch for, such as discovering a new lump somewhere on your body, unusual bruising or bleeding, and experiencing pain that’s simply not normal for you.
Other symptoms worth noting are excessive sweating, particularly during the night, or running a temperature that persists or keeps returning. Feeling unusually tired, shedding weight without trying, or losing your appetite could also be indicators.
Changes to bathroom habits matter too – needing to urinate more frequently or urgently, or experiencing discomfort when you pee, should prompt a conversation with your doctor.
Certain symptoms are specific to particular parts of the body, so knowing when something’s new or unusual is key.
When it comes to skin, keep an eye out for any fresh moles or changes to existing ones anywhere on your body. Rashes or sores that simply won’t heal deserve attention, as does jaundice – when your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow. It’s worth noting that yellowing skin can be trickier to spot on darker skin tones.
Digestive troubles can also be telling. Frequent or worsening heartburn, persistent bloating, and changes to your bowel habits – whether that’s going more or less often, or diarrhoea and constipation that won’t shift – are all worth mentioning to your GP.
Mouth and throat issues include difficulty swallowing, a persistently hoarse voice, ulcers that won’t heal, or unusual patches inside your mouth.
Breathing problems shouldn’t be ignored either. A cough that lingers or gets worse, shortness of breath that doesn’t improve, or coughing up blood all warrant a trip to the doctor.
Someone in the UK receives a cancer diagnosis at least every 90 seconds on average
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For reproductive health, women should be alert to unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding – particularly between periods, after sex, or following menopause. Men should watch for difficulty getting an erection or blood appearing in semen.
The NHS is keen to reassure people that many of these symptoms are incredibly common and frequently caused by conditions other than cancer.
An NHS spokesperson said: “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.”