Cancer can cause changes to how your body normally looks and works. A 'sign' of disease is something that you can see. This could be a change to your skin or blood that you can see in your poo or pee.
A 'symptom' of disease is something that you feel and can describe to a doctor, but can’t see. For example, pain, tiredness or a headache.
It's important to be aware of any new or unexplained changes to your body.
These changes could be:
- a new lump or bump
- a lump or bump changing in appearance or size
- unexpected bleeding from any area
- unexplained bruising
- unexplained or persistent pain
- a change to your usual bowel habits
- a new or changing cough
- changes on your skin
- unexplained weight loss or weight loss without trying
- unexplained tiredness
These are common signs and symptoms that are often caused by other, non-cancerous illnesses. But if you notice anything that is unusual for you it's important to talk to your GP.
If your GP suspects cancer, they'll refer you to a specialist. The specialist will do further tests. They'll also plan any necessary treatment.
Lump or bump in your breast
Contact your GP if you have a lump:
- that is new
- that is changing in size or appearance
- in your breast or under your arm
Breast cancer - signs and symptoms
Coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath
Contact your GP if you have:
- a new cough that last for more than 3 weeks
- a cough that has changed or is different to your usual cough
- chest or shoulder pain that does not go away
- shortness of breath more than is normal for you
- blood when you cough
Changes in bowel habits
Talk to your GP if you have:
- blood in your pee or poo
- diarrhoea or constipation for no obvious reason
- a feeling of not having fully emptied your bowels after going to the toilet
- pain in your stomach or bum
- a feeling that your stomach is bloated all the time
- a feeling that you have no appetite or you are full very quickly after eating
Bowel cancer - signs and symptoms
Changes in your urine habits
Contact your GP if you have:
- blood in your pee
- needing to pee more frequently
- a feeling that you cannot fully empty your bladder
- straining or feeling that it is difficult to pee
Changes in your skin
See your GP if you have a mole that:
- has an uneven or crooked shape
- has an uneven border with jagged edges
- has more than one colour – it may have brown, black, red, pink or white flecks or patches
- is bigger than 7mm in diameter
- is itchy, crusting or bleeding
Any of the above changes means there's a chance you have malignant melanoma. This is a form of skin cancer.
Skin cancer - signs and symptoms
Bleeding
Contact your GP if you have any unexplained bleeding, such as:
- blood in your pee or poo
- blood when you cough
- blood in your vomit
- vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex
- bleeding when you are post-menopausal - it is at least 1 year after your last period
Unexplained weight loss
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if:
- you've lost weight
- your weight loss cannot be explained by changes to your diet and exercise
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
