In this animation, you can learn about some of the signs and symptoms of cancer, and what to do if you have any symptoms, you are worried about.
Access Macmillan cancer signs and symptoms animations without British Sign Language.
Spotting cancer symptoms earlier can help get a diagnosis when the cancer is at an early stage. For most cancers, this means treatment is more likely to be successful.
Different types of cancer have different symptoms. Signs and symptoms of cancer vary from person to person, even if they have the same type of cancer. Some people may have several symptoms, while other people have very few symptoms.
There are different ways of talking about symptoms:
- Ongoing symptoms last for more than a few weeks, or keeps coming back.
- Unexplained symptoms have no obvious or clear cause. For example, a new lump, or bleeding when you have not hurt yourself.
- Symptoms that are unusual for you are changes in your body that are not normal for you. For example, it could be a change in a cough you have had for a long time, or a change in a mole on your skin.
Related pages
Common signs and symptoms of cancer
Cancer can present with a variety of signs and symptoms, which can vary depending on the area of the body affected. Some common general symptoms include:
- Fatigue or extreme tiredness that doesn’t get better with rest (sometimes caused by anaemia or a low red blood cell count).
- Weight loss or gain of 10 pounds or more for no known reason.
- Eating problems such as not feeling hungry, trouble swallowing, belly pain, or nausea and vomiting.
- Swelling or lumps anywhere in the body.
- Thickening or lump in the breast or other part of the body.
- Pain, especially new or with no known reason, that doesn’t go away or gets worse.
- Skin changes such as a lump that bleeds or turns scaly, a new mole or a change in a mole, a sore that does not heal, or a yellowish colour to the skin or eyes (jaundice).
- Cough or hoarseness that does not go away.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising for no known reason.
- Change in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhoea, that doesn’t go away or a change in how your stools look.
- Blood in your stool.
- Bladder changes such as pain when urinating, blood in the urine, or needing to urinate more or less often.
- Fever or night sweats.
- Headaches.
- Vision or hearing problems.
- Mouth changes such as sores, bleeding, pain, or numbness.
When to go to your GP about symptoms
Symptoms caused by cancer can also be caused by other things.
It can be difficult to know whether you need to go to a GP. You may worry that you are wasting your GP’s time. Or you might feel embarrassed or anxious talking about it.
It is important to know what is normal for you and your body. If you notice a change in how you feel or how your body works for a few weeks, it is safer to get it checked. A change usually does not mean you have cancer, but it could still be something that needs treatment.
If it is cancer, the earlier it is found, the more likely it is that it will be treated successfully. If it is nothing serious, your GP can reassure you.
When you visit your GP, it is helpful if you can tell them:
- what the symptom is
- how long you have had the symptom
- whether it is there all the time
- how often it occurs.
Your GP may ask you lots of questions. This will help them understand how to help you. It will also help them know whether you need to have any tests or see a specialist doctor.
Some symptoms are difficult to talk about, for example a lump on your testicle or vaginal bleeding. But even you find it embarrassing, it is important to get the symptom checked. Remember, your GP will be used to talking about difficult or embarrassing things.
If you need support or just want someone to talk to, call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00
Channels that can help support patients with cancer
Patients and their families can find support through various channels including:
- Macmillan Cancer Support: Offers a range of services, including Macmillan Support Line for confidential support and various events and fundraising opportunities.
- Online Cancer Support Hub – Aurora: Provides expert-curated resources, coping strategies and wellness tips to help manage cancer-related challenges.
- Cancer Support UK: Offers practical and emotional support including Cancer Coach Program for those who have completed treatment.
- Cancer Support UK: Offers practical and emotional support including the Cancer Coach Program for those who have completed treatment.
- FORCE Support and Information Centre: Hosts free support groups for cancer patients and their careers, focusing on shared experiences and mutual understanding.