Cancer is one of the so-called dread, or dreaded, diseases. It is generally known that cancer is difficult to treat and can be fatal. It is also quite well known that early-detection and early-treatment improves the outlook in many cases. So we want to pick up cancer early whenever possible.

One of the best ways to do this is to see your doctor regularly and to undergo various screening tests (skin examination, PAP smear, colonoscopy, urine check, various x-rays and scans, etc.). In this regard there is no one-size-fits-all approach really and so developing a personalised plan for yourself, in discussion with your doctor, is the best approach. We strongly advise all adults (of all ages) to have a discussion with their family doctor about health screening.

Another consideration is to be aware of the most important early symptoms that may indicate the possibility of cancer r other serious illness. Here are some of the most important:

  • Weight loss. Unintended weight loss is almost always serious. If there is no obvious causes such as dieting or extreme exercise, weight loss should be taken seriously.
  • Appetite loss. Significant loss of appetite should always be taken seriously and cancer is one possible cause.
  • A general feeling of tiredness or fatigue and lack of energy can be caused by a variety of things but serious medical conditions, including cancer, can be a cause here.
  • Many forms of bleeding can be caused by cancers. Bleeding from the upper or lower bowel (vomiting of blood or passing blood in faeces), and bleeding from the genital tract or in the urine are the best known and most important. But it is also worth mentioning that excessive skin bleeding from minor cuts or wounds) can also be a worrying sign.
  • Breast lumps, groin lumps, armpit lumps, skin lumps, lumps in the testicles, and neck lumps are among the more commonly seen but any new or unusual lump or bump should be taken seriously.
  • Moles or changes in moles. A new skin mole or a change in an existing mole really should be checked by your doctor because it could be skin cancer – most aren’t, but a few are.
  • An otherwise-unexplained or a persistent cough could be a sign of throat or lung cancer (but there are many other possible causes).
  • Severe or persistent ongoing headache is sometimes (although not usually) a sign of cancer.
  • Bowel changes. A change in bowel habit – diarrhoea or constipation – can be a sign of cancer.
  • Other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, itching, and pallor (pale skin and appearance) can also be signs of cancer although in these cases there are so many other possible non-cancer causes that one really should be a bit “sensible” here.

Awareness of possible early warning signs, together with having a personalised health screening plan, can be helpful in finding serious medical problems like cancer early. Ultimately this can improve the outlook and so it’s worthwhile. That said, a degree of common sense is required because there are other less-serious possible causes for all of these symptoms. The idea is to be aware and smart, but not paranoid and excessively afraid. As ever, please see your doctor if you have any concerns.

Written by Dr Colin Burns