Five common warning signs of cancer in young people from moles to weight changes
Shocking research has revealed that less than half of 18 to 24-year-olds can correctly identify any of the five main warning signs of cancer in young people.
Ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4, new research from the Teenage Cancer Trust has found that awareness of cancer symptoms is alarmingly low amongst young people.
The most recognised sign of cancer within 18 to 24-year-olds was lumps, bumps and swellings, but 56 percent were still unable to identify this as a potential red flag.
The study found that people in the age group were unable to spot the other main symptoms of cancer, including:
58% couldn’t identify mole changes as cause for concern
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62% did not recognise significant weight change could signal a warning
61% unaware unexplained tiredness could be a symptom
61% did not understand that persistent pain could be a sign
Awareness of all five warning signs – lumps bumps and swellings, unexplained tiredness, mole changes, pain and significant weight change - was low across all age groups surveyed, with 55 percent of UK adults unable to recognise all five, rising to 82 percent amongst 18 to 24-year-olds.
The study also found that 47 percent of young people have put off going to their GP with a health concern, with a third admitting they’d postponed making an appointment more than once.
The most common reasons given by young people for putting off a visit was it being too much hassle to get an appointment (47%) and being worried about wasting GP’s time (45%).
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The most common reasons given by young people for putting off a visit was it being too much hassle to get an appointment (Getty Images)But worryingly, 34 percent had delayed as they were too scared to find out what was wrong with them, more than any other age group.
Dr Louise Soanes, Chief Nurse, Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We hear time and time again from the young people that we support that they didn’t recognise the warning signs, and about the devastating impact that delays to their diagnosis have caused.
“We urgently need UK Governments to develop specific public awareness campaigns for cancers experienced by young people.”
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She added: “It can be scary to think about cancer, particularly if you’re a young person, but it can happen to anyone of any age.
“Always listen to your body and if you have concerns never be afraid to seek help – the likelihood is that it isn't cancer, but it’s always best to check.”
Five common warning signs of cancer in young people
Unusual lumps, bumps or swelling anywhere
Make sure you look out for unusual lump or swelling on the body. The best way to check for lumps in the breasts or testicles is to feel them in the shower.
The testicles should feel smooth, without any lumps or bumps, and firm but not hard.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme has produced a five-point plan for being breast aware:
know what's normal for you
look at your breasts and feel them
know what changes to look for
report any changes to a GP without delay
attend routine screening if you're aged 50 to 70
Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, and up to your collarbone.
Moles
Moles, which are mostly harmless, could be harbouring cancerous cells.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the ABCDE method of checking moles:
A: asymmetry
B: border changes
C: colour changes
D: diameter changes (such as an increase in size)
E: elevation or evolution (a growth that has changed over time).
If you notice any change in size, shape, colour or elevation of a spot on your skin, or any new symptom in it, such as bleeding, itching or crusting, you should see a doctor immediately.
Weight changes
If you’ve been dieting or increased your exercise levels then you will naturally lose weight, but if you haven’t made any changes to your lifestyle and the weight continues to drop off this could be a warning sign of something more serious.
Some tumours can cause an increase in weight, perhaps because of their size, and fluid retention or constipation.
Make sure you look out for unusual lump or swelling on the body (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Tiredness
Cancer uses your body’s nutrients to grow and advance, so those nutrients are no longer replenishing your body. This “nutrient theft” can make you feel extremely tired.
Persistent pain
Pain is one way our body tells us that something is wrong.
As we get older, it’s more common to experience aches and pains - but unexplained or persistent pain anywhere in the body could be a sign of something more serious, says Cancer Research UK.
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