The 20 red flag warning signs of cancer that mean you need to see a doctor immediately

A list of cancer warning signs have been issued in a bid to get people checking their bodies to catch the cruel disease early.  Cancer is a potentially deadly disease that occurs when abnormal cells divide and spread in an uncontrolled way.

These cells can also spread to and damage nearby tissue and organs. According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 375,000 new cancer cases diagnosed in the UK every year – or 1,000 every day.

And the disease accounts for 167,000 fatalities annually. Therefore, being aware of any of the warning signs could be life saving. However, this can seem overwhelming as there are more than 200 types of cancer that can affect the human body – with many linked to specific symptoms that will depend on the area of the body affected.

With this in mind, Cancer Research UK has listed 20 warning signs of cancer that should prompt a visit to your doctor. While these symptoms may not necessarily mean you have the disease, it is still worth getting them checked out.

The charity explains: “Spotting cancer at an early stage saves lives, so tell your doctor if you notice anything that isn’t normal for you. You don’t need to try and remember all the signs and symptoms of cancer – listen to your body and talk to your doctor if you notice anything that isn’t normal for you. Signs and symptoms are more often caused by something less serious than cancer – but if it is cancer, spotting it early can make a real difference.”

Very heavy night sweats or fever

There can be many reasons for sweating or having a high temperature at night, including the weather, infections or medications. It is also common in women around the menopause.

“But speak to your doctor if you have very heavy, drenching night sweats, or an unexplained fever,” Cancer Research UK says.

Fatigue

Again, there are lots of reasons why you may feel more tired than usual, particularly if you’re going through a stressful event, or having trouble sleeping.

However, if you’re feeling tired all the time, or, for no clear reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong. “Speak to your doctor,” the charity says.

Unexplained bleeding or bruising

Unexplained bleeding or bruising when you have not hurt yourself is “important” to get checked out by your doctor.

This includes blood in your poo or pee, as well as vomiting or coughing up blood. It also includes any unexplained vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after the menopause.

Cancer Research UK says: “No matter how much blood or what colour it is (blood can be red, or a darker colour like brown or black), speak to your doctor.”

Unexplained pain or ache

As we age, it’s more common to experience aches and pains. Unexplained or persistent pain anywhere in the body, however, could be a sign of something more serious.

Unexplained weight loss

Small weight fluctuations over time are quite normal, but if you have lost a noticeable amount of weight without trying to, tell your doctor.

Unusual lump or swelling anywhere

Persistent lumps or swelling in any part of your body “should be taken seriously”.

The charity says: “This includes any lumps in the neck, armpit, stomach, groin, chest, breast, or testicle.”

Difficulty swallowing or mouth ulcers that won’t heal

Cancer Research UK recommends talking to your doctor if you are having difficulty swallowing and the problem doesn’t go away.

It adds: “It’s common to get ulcers (small sores) in the mouth when you’re a bit run down – they usually get better in about two weeks.

“But you should report an ulcer or red or white patch that doesn’t heal after three weeks to your doctor or dentist.”

Persistent bloating

It’s quite common to experience a bloated or swollen tummy that comes and goes from time to time. But if you feel regularly bloated most days, even if it comes and goes, talk to your doctor.

Persistent heartburn or indigestion

It is normal to feel slight discomfort or pain sometimes after eating a large, fatty or spicy meal.

The charity says: “But if you have heartburn or indigestion a lot, or if it is particularly painful, then you should see your doctor.”

Appetite loss

Appetite loss can occur for many different reasons. “Speak to your doctor if you’ve noticed you’re not as hungry as usual and it’s not getting any better,” it says.

Croaky voice or hoarseness

Having a croaky voice or feeling hoarse can be typical of having a cold. But a croaky or hoarse voice that hasn’t gone away should be checked out.

Breathlessness

If you notice that you’re feeling breathless more than usual or for a lot of the time, tell your doctor.

Persistent cough

If a cough doesn’t go away in a few weeks or gets worse, it could be a sign of cancer.

Problems peeing

The charity explains: “Problems peeing might include needing to go more often or urgently, experiencing pain when peeing, or not being able to go when you need to.”

Bowel changes

A change in bowel habits can include constipation, looser poo or pooing more often.

Blood in poo or pee

Speak to your doctor if you notice blood in your poo or pee, on the toilet paper or in the toilet.

Sore that does not heal

The skin repairs itself very quickly and any damage usually heals within a week or so.

Cancer Research UK says: “When a spot, wart or sore doesn’t heal, even if it’s painless, a doctor needs to check it.”

Skin changes

Any unusual change in a patch of skin or a nail, whether it’s a new change or has been there for a while, should be checked out by your doctor.

New mole or changes to a mole

Most moles are harmless. “But be aware of any new moles or existing moles that change in size, shape or colour, become crusty, itch, hurt, bleed or ooze,” the charity says.

Unusual breast or chest changes

It adds: “Look out for any change in the size, shape or feel of your breast or chest, or any skin changes, redness, or pain in the breast.”