Signs & Symptoms

There is no single sign that means cancer, and almost every symptom on this page is far more often caused by something else. What matters is not the symptom itself but its pattern: is it new for you, does it persist, is it getting worse?

The three-week rule

Most everyday symptoms settle within two to three weeks. A symptom that has lasted longer than that, keeps returning, or is steadily worsening deserves an explanation from a qualified health professional. That is the whole rule, and it is worth more than any checklist.

Going early is not wasting anyone’s time. Health workers would far rather see ten people whose symptoms turn out to be harmless than one person who waited ten months.

General changes worth checking

• A lump or swelling anywhere on the body, whether or not it hurts.
• Unexplained weight loss, when you have not been trying to lose weight.
• Unusual tiredness that rest does not fix.
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising.
• A sore, ulcer or wound that does not heal within a few weeks.
• Persistent night sweats or unexplained fever.
• A cough or hoarseness lasting more than three weeks.
• Difficulty or pain swallowing that persists.
• A persistent change in bowel or bladder habit.
• Persistent pain in one place, with no clear cause.
• A mole or skin patch that changes in size, shape or colour.

Changes specific to women

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit.
• Change in the size or shape of a breast, dimpling of the skin, or a nipple that turns inward.
• Nipple discharge, particularly bloodstained or from one side only.
• Bleeding between periods, after sex, or at any time after menopause.
• Persistent bloating, or feeling full quickly, on most days for three weeks or more.
• Unusual vaginal discharge.
• Persistent pelvic or lower back pain.

Changes specific to men

• Difficulty passing urine, a weak stream, or needing to go much more often at night.
• Blood in the urine or semen.
• A lump, swelling or heaviness in a testicle.

Changes in children

Childhood cancers are uncommon, and many are curable when treated early. They are also easily mistaken for ordinary childhood illness. Have a child assessed if you notice:

• A white reflection in the eye, often first spotted in a photograph.
• Persistent unexplained fever, or unusual paleness and tiredness.
• An abdominal swelling or mass.
• Persistent bone or joint pain, or a limp with no injury.
• Unexplained bruising, or lumps in the neck, armpit or groin.
• Persistent headaches with vomiting, especially in the morning.

When not to wait at all

Some situations need same-day attention rather than an appointment next week:

• Coughing up blood.
• Heavy or continuous bleeding from anywhere.
• Severe difficulty breathing.
• Sudden severe pain, or inability to pass urine.
• A rapidly enlarging lump.

On fear

Fear is the most common reason people delay, and it is entirely understandable. But fear works backwards here: the longer you wait, the more likely it becomes that the news is bad and the treatment is hard. Going early is the version of this story where most people find out it was nothing — and where those who do have something find it while it is still small.

If cost, distance or not knowing where to go is what is stopping you, tell us. Stepin Connect exists for exactly that.