Awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer | Go Back |
Breast cancer
Patients should be encouraged to be 'breast aware' and to report any unusual changes to their GP, such as:
- Changes in the size, shape or feel of breasts
- A new lump, or thickening in one breast or an armpit
- Puckering, dimpling or redness of skin
- Changes in the position of the nipple, a rash, or nipple discharge
- Pain or discomfort that is new and felt only in one breast
Download Cancer Research UK breast cancer symptoms patient information leaflet
Ovarian cancer
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are common to other conditions and some individuals will have no symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Vague indigestion, nausea and a bloated feeling
- Abdominal swelling
- Persistent constipation or diarrhoea
- Rarely - abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Tiredness
- Cramp
- Pain in abdomen
Colorectal cancer
Individuals are encouraged to be aware of their normal bowel habits and contact the GP if they experience a prolonged change in bowel habits, such as those detailed below:
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Persistent constipation
- Change in frequency or appearance of bowel movements
- Rectal bleeding
- Mucus production
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Cramp in the abdomen or the bowel feeling full and uncomfortable.
Download Cancer Research UK bowel cancer symptoms patient information leaflet
This page was last modified on Thu Oct 01 2009
