Knowing these early cancer symptoms could save your life
Signs of cancer can be subtle, but you know your own body best, so if something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to rule it out.
That’s why you need to be aware of any new or unexplained changes, such as breathlessness, blood in your pee (even just once) or a general feeling of unwellness that lasts for three weeks or more.
Tests could put your mind at rest – and whatever the result, your NHS is here for you. So if you notice something unusual, don’t hesitate – contact your GP practice.
NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, says: “Cancer symptoms and early warning signs can be very varied, with some being less obvious than others.
"But what’s important to know is what is normal for you, so that you can spot any changes. If you have any concerns, or if something in your body doesn’t feel quite right, you should contact your GP practice.
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"It might be nothing, but diagnosing cancer as early as possible could save your life."
“Blood cancers are the fifth most common type of cancer in the UK, with over 41,000 people diagnosed every year.
"The symptoms – such as breathlessness, night sweats or feeling tired when you’re not sure why – can be quite common, but if something doesn’t feel right for you, please contact your local GP practice. Finding cancer earlier saves lives.”
‘I thought I had a UTI – it turned out to be bladder cancer’
Retired IT consultant David Day, 70, from Cambridgeshire, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2013 after spotting symptoms
David is looking forward to finally getting the all-clear“It was just days after seeing an NHS campaign on the TV about checking your urine for blood that I experienced exactly those symptoms. I rang the GP immediately.
“At that time I thought it was a UTI – urinary tract infection – not cancer. But thank goodness for that TV campaign because, to be honest, I probably wouldn’t have taken it as seriously otherwise.
“The GP did a quick dip test and referred me to the urology department of Addenbrooke’s Hospital. I had a cystoscopy – a camera into the bladder – and they noticed a tumour there. I was awake, watching the procedure on the TV screen, and saw what looked like a long-legged mushroom.
“I said: ‘What’s that?’ The consultant replied, ‘We’ll talk about that in a minute,’ and they went to get my wife Christine from the waiting room.
“The consultant then announced: ‘You’ve got bladder cancer.’ That was a bit of a shock.
“Then they asked, ‘Do you smoke?’ I told them: ‘I used to, but I stopped in 2000,’ and they replied: ‘That’s why you’ve got bladder cancer.’ That was the bit I couldn’t get my head around. I hadn’t smoked for 14 years – why would it cause cancer after all this time?
“But I didn’t think I was going to die, because it was just this little mushroom – not like the big black blobs you see on people’s lungs on TV. In fact, Christine and I were quite blasé about it – I don’t think I was taking it in.”
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'I hadn’t smoked in 14 years – why would it cause cancer?'
“I was referred to the oncology department, who admitted me fairly quickly to have the tumour removed in early 2014. I was lucky: mine was not muscle invasive – it was all in the bladder and hadn’t gone through the wall. I’d had scans to see if the cancer had spread and they came back clear.
“The consultant told me: ‘We’ve caught it early enough.’ It was high grade but wasn’t invasive, which was a big plus.
“After the tumour was removed, I had to have 27 doses of BCG jabs – the same as the vaccine you have at school. Unfortunately, the next set of treatment really took its toll and it got to the point where I couldn’t do my job anymore because it was hard to travel.
“Slowly but surely, I started to get back to a normal life and now I don’t have issues with my bladder.
“I was lucky that it was caught early, and the urology and oncology departments were absolutely amazing. I’m still in contact with the nurse who gave me all those injections.
“I still look when I go to the toilet, and whenever I get a slight pain, I worry the cancer is back.
“I have an annual cystoscopy and you get a big lump of joy in your throat when they tell you it’s clear. The next one coming up is my 10th and it should be the last. I’ll be over the moon when they say they don’t need to see me again.”
‘If you notice anything unusual, contact your GP practice’
Ali Abdul Rofe, 45, was fit and healthy, so when he started to experience symptoms, the businessman put it down to his busy lifestyle
Ali is now on the road back to good health“Prior to my cancer diagnosis, I started experiencing symptoms that included night sweats and feeling very tired with low energy. I ignored them, though – I had a busy lifestyle and assumed it was all to do with stress and weight gain.
“I was sleeping at odd times in the day due to constant fatigue, and I’d have to change my vests two or three times a night because of the sweating. But I carried on as normal as I was generally a healthy, fit person and hardly went to the GP.
“After about a year, in 2016, the night sweats became unbearable, and I contacted my GP surgery. My GP immediately arranged for a blood test and chest X-ray.
"At first, I was told it could be lymphoma – a type of blood cancer – but the test and biopsy pointed to tuberculosis, which was a relief, as mine was not contagious and wasn’t too severe. The treatment for TB is not harsh and does not usually interfere with your daily life.
“However, I was not getting better, so my GP sent me for further tests in February 2017, and I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma.
"I’ve had various treatments over the years, including a stem cell transplant in February 2022, which was successful and now I am working back to recovery without medication.
“I am extremely lucky and must extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Barts Health NHS Trust and my family for looking after me.
“I would say to anyone who feels something unusual healthwise, see your GP. It might not be anything serious, but it could be a sign of cancer, and finding it early makes it more treatable and could save your life.”
‘I’m still here thanks to an early diagnosis’
Shamilla Mirza didn’t hesitate when she found a breast lump – and her GP wasted no time in sending her for tests
Shamilla – here with her sons – even has a bench in her honour (Paul Heyes)When Shamilla, now 49, found a pea-shaped lump in her breast in 2015, she booked an appointment with her GP, who then referred her to the breast clinic at North Manchester General Hospital for more tests.
The mum of two was shocked when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but says the support of those around her gave her the strength she needed to face the disease.
Shamilla had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction, followed by chemotherapy.
“I cannot thank the NHS or my family enough for giving me the courage to deal with cancer,” says Shamilla. “I know my early diagnosis and treatment are why I’m still here for my family, particularly my sons Zakir and Zain.”
If something doesn't feel right, contact your GP practice. Find out more at nhs.uk/cancersymptoms
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