Cancer

Cancer

Cancer is a condition where cells in the body grow in an uncontrolled way. Speak to a GP if you notice any symptoms that are not normal for you.

Possible symptoms of cancer

Different types of cancer all have their own symptoms.

General symptoms which could be a sign of cancer can include:

  • a new lump or swelling anywhere on your body
  • sweating a lot (particularly at night) or a high temperature that lasts a long time or keeps coming back
  • feeling more tired than usual
  • unusual bruising or bleeding (such as bleeding from your bottom, blood in your pee or vomiting blood)
  • pain anywhere in your body that's not usual for you
  • losing weight without trying or feeling less hungry than usual
  • needing to pee more often or more urgently, or pain when you pee

Other symptoms of cancer may affect specific parts of the body.

Symptoms affecting your skin

Skin symptoms can include:

  • a new mole, or changes to a mole anywhere on your body
  • changes in your skin, such as a rash or sore that does not get better
  • the whites of your eyes or your skin looking yellow (jaundice) – yellow skin may be harder to see on black or brown skin

Symptoms affecting your digestion

Digestion symptoms can include:

  • heartburn or indigestion that's frequent, very painful or gets worse
  • a swollen tummy (bloating) that happens often or lasts a long time
  • changes in your poo, such as needing to poo more or less often than usual, diarrhoea or constipation that does not get better or gets worse

Symptoms affecting your mouth or throat

Mouth and throat symptoms can include:

  • problems swallowing
  • a hoarse or croaky voice that does not get better
  • a sore or ulcer in your mouth that does not get better
  • white or red patches in your mouth

Symptoms affecting your lungs and breathing

Lung and breathing symptoms can include:

  • a cough that does not get better or gets worse
  • shortness of breath that does not get better or gets worse
  • coughing up blood

Symptoms affecting your genitals (vagina or penis)

Vagina or penis symptoms can include:

  • vaginal discharge that's not usual for you
  • unusual vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods or after sex, or bleeding after the menopause
  • difficulty getting an erection
  • blood in your semen

See a GP if you have:

  • symptoms of cancer
  • any symptoms or changes that are not normal for you and you're worried could be cancer

If a GP thinks your symptoms could be a sign of cancer, you may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital.

Important

Most of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions.

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.

Possible causes of cancer

Anyone can get cancer and it's not always clear what causes it. But there are things that can increase your risk of getting certain types of cancer.

These can include:

  • getting older
  • other people in your family having certain cancers
  • your lifestyle – such as smoking, being overweight, exposure to too much sun and drinking too much alcohol
  • having certain viruses – such as human papillomavirus (HPV) or hepatitis
  • having certain conditions – such as severe acid reflux or Lynch syndrome (a condition that runs in families)
  • the environment where you work or live – such as exposure to asbestos or air pollution

Reducing your risk of cancer

You cannot always prevent cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting some types of cancer.

Do

Find out more from NHS Better Health

NHS Better Health has free tools and support to help you lose weight, get active, quit smoking and drink less alcohol.

Visit the NHS Better Health website

Cancer waiting times

The NHS aims to diagnose and treat cancer as early as possible. NHS England has guidance on cancer waiting times for being diagnosed and starting treatment.

The guidance says:

  • if you get an urgent referral to a specialist, cancer should be confirmed or ruled out within 28 days of the referral
  • if you're diagnosed with cancer, treatment should start within 31 days of the diagnosis or within 62 days of an urgent referral

Support while you wait

Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline open every day from 8am to 8pm.

They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about.

Call 0808 808 00 00

Information:

More information

National cancer charities offering support and information about cancer, including the symptoms, types, causes and treatments:

Click here for more advice on Cancer - NHS

Page last reviewed: 19 August 2025
Page created: 19 August 2025