18 February 2024 , 15:59
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Some cancer symptoms are not as noticeable as others and people can often brush them off believing them not to be too serious.
Cancer is a serious and potentially deadly disease that occurs when abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably. Millions of Brits have come into contact with cancer - either through a diagnosis themselves or with a loved one - and according to MacMillan's charity, each year, around 393,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer which equates to around one diagnosis at least every 90 seconds.
There are more than 200 types of cancer that can affect the body. Some are more well known than others with their symptoms easier to spot. One common symptom is a lump however other symptoms for other cancers can masquerade as more common issues such as coughs or fatigue. Here are a few unusual cancer symptoms highlighted by a range of cancer charities which you should take note of.
Unexplained pain
As we age, odd pains here and there become more common, or you might find that it takes you longer to recover from an injury. Cancer Research says pain from cancer itself is often caused when a tumour grows and presses on bones, nerves or other organs in the body.
Pain can also be caused by a plethora of reasons, for example persistent headaches do not necessarily mean you have brain cancer, it could mean you need glasses or have spent too long looking at screens. However, if you are experiencing persistent or unexplained pain and it does impact your daily life - such as needing painkillers to get through the day - then you should be checked at the doctor's, especially if you're completely healthy otherwise.
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Excessive fatigue
The stresses of daily life can often leave you feeling tired, lethargic, or extremely exhausted sometimes. According to Cancer Research UK, extreme fatigue - which means feeling very tired, exhausted and lacking energy that doesn't get better with rest can be an early sign of cancer. Cancers such as thyroid cancer, lymphoma, and leukaemia are known to cause fatigue in excess. So if you feel more fatigued than you usually do and for long periods, it's worth checking in with your GP to make sure it's nothing serious.
Anaemia
Anaemia refers to a blood disorder that causes a low red blood cell count, making it hard for your blood to carry enough oxygen to support bodily functions. Cancer can be a contributor to anaemia, such as leukaemia, bone cancer, myeloma, lymphoma, and other bone marrow and blood cancers. This is because cancers cause inflammation that decreases red blood cell production.
Symptoms of anaemia can include
- Feeling weak and fatigued
- Pale complexion
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain and headaches
According to VeryWellHealth, when the cause of anaemia is not known in someone without cancer, tests to rule out cancer may be considered. If you have symptoms of anaemia, you will need treatment to get your blood count back to normal levels - this can be as simple as taking iron supplements or adjusting your diet.
Sores that don't heal
A common skin cancer symptom is sores that don't heal. According to Cancer Research, a simple rule of thumb is that most sores or cuts heal within a week or so. However, if this is not the case there could be something wrong. The UK charity says that you should go to your doctor if a sore:
- Doesn't heal within four weeks
- Looks unusual
- Hurts, is itchy, bleeds, crusts or scabs for more than four weeks
Numbness
Numbness - or tingling - tends to be a sign that certain nerves have limited functionality or have been damaged. MacMillan cancer charity says a tumour on the spine can cause numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs. It can also cause problems controlling the bladder or bowel. Like with all symptoms, it may not be cancer - diabetes and pinched nerves are common explanations for sudden numbness - however if you are noticing numbness in any part of your body you must visit your GP as soon as you can.