FOCUS ON… Hidden cancer signs
What to look for to spot the early symptoms
1 Bloating
‘It’s most common after the menopause in women over the age of 50,’ says Dr Melanie WynneJones. ‘It can be hard to diagnose early, as symptoms are often vague.’
Look also for pain in your side, back or lower tummy, passing urine more frequently, and irregular or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. If symptoms are persistent or frequent (most days for three weeks), or you have a family history of breast/ovarian cancer, see your GP.
2 Breathlessness ‘Any unexplained rapid or laboured breathing, at rest or on slight exertion, should ring alarm bells,’ says Dr Wynne-Jones. It can be a symptom of lung cancer.
‘Two-thirds of cases are already too advanced for curative treatment by the time they’re diagnosed,’ adds Dr Wynne-Jones, ‘so it’s really important to act on early symptoms – even if you don’t smoke.’
3 Bleeding after the menopause ‘There are over 3,100 new cases of cervical cancer a year in the UK,’ says Dr Wynne-Jones. ‘And over 850 deaths – a dramatic fall since cervical screening was introduced.’ Early-stage cervical cancer is often symptomless, so make sure you go for your screening whenever you are invited.
4 Heavy night sweats Night sweats are a well-known symptom that women will recognise as a sign of the menopause, but they can also be an indication of many different conditions, including lymphoma and leukaemia.
See your GP for tests, especially if your night sweats are severe and accompanied by unintentional weight loss, and feeling tired or dizzy.
5 Difficulty swallowing Occasional trouble swallowing is nothing to worry about, but if it happens often and you also notice a persistent sore throat, croaky voice or cough, unexplained weight loss or vomiting, your doctor may want to arrange tests for throat or stomach cancer.
6 Persistent heartburn
Certain foods, alcohol, stress and even some medication, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers, can cause heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux. But if simple lifestyle changes and pharmacy medicine, such as antacids, aren’t helping, or you have heartburn most days for three weeks or more, see your GP.
It’s likely harmless but could be a sign of stomach, throat – or even ovarian – cancer.