Cancer happens when cells in the body grow in an uncontrolled way
There are more than 200 different types, affecting almost any part of the body
Symptoms vary widely depending on where the cancer is
Finding cancer early generally makes it easier to treat
See a GP promptly about any symptoms or changes that aren't normal for you
About Cancer
Cancer is a condition where cells in the body start growing in an uncontrolled way. There are more than 200 different types, and it can affect almost any part of the body, including organs, blood, bone marrow and the immune system. Sometimes cancer spreads from where it first developed to another part of the body — this is known as secondary cancer, or metastasis.
Most people who notice possible symptoms won't have cancer, since many of these signs are also caused by far more common, less serious conditions. Still, it's important to get anything unusual checked by a GP promptly, since finding cancer early generally makes it easier to treat successfully.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Cancer · Symptoms
Possible Symptoms
? 5 min readReviewed: March 2024
General Symptoms
Different cancers cause different symptoms, but some general warning signs can include a new lump or swelling anywhere on the body, heavy sweating or a high temperature that persists or keeps returning, feeling unusually tired, unexplained bruising or bleeding, unusual pain, losing weight without trying, or needing to pee more often, more urgently, or with discomfort.
Symptoms Affecting Specific Areas
Skin-related signs include a new or changing mole, a rash or sore that doesn't heal, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), which can be harder to spot on brown or black skin. Digestive symptoms can include persistent or worsening heartburn, ongoing bloating, or a change in bowel habit that doesn't improve. Mouth and throat symptoms include difficulty swallowing, a persistent hoarse voice, or a mouth ulcer or sore that won't heal. Lung-related signs include a cough that doesn't improve or gets worse, breathlessness, or coughing up blood. Symptoms affecting the genitals can include unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding, difficulty getting an erection, or blood in semen.
Having one or more of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer — many have far more common, less serious causes — but it's always worth getting checked by a GP, who can arrange further tests or an urgent referral if needed.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Cancer · Causes & Risk
Causes and Reducing Your Risk
? 5 min readReviewed: March 2024
What Increases Risk
Anyone can develop cancer, and it isn't always clear exactly what causes it in an individual case. Factors that can raise the risk of certain cancers include getting older, a family history of certain cancers, lifestyle factors such as smoking, being overweight, too much sun exposure, or drinking too much alcohol, certain viruses such as HPV or hepatitis, some underlying health conditions, and environmental exposures such as asbestos or air pollution.
Reducing Your Risk
While cancer can't always be prevented, there's a lot you can do to lower your risk of certain types. This includes attending cancer screening when invited, such as cervical, breast, or bowel cancer screening, having the HPV or hepatitis B vaccine if offered, and speaking to a GP about genetic testing if cancer runs strongly in your family.
Broader lifestyle changes can also help, including cutting down on alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking, following sun safety advice such as wearing sunscreen and seeking shade, eating a balanced diet, and staying physically active with around 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Cancer · Treatment
Treatment and Waiting Times
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
Common Treatments
The right treatment depends on the specific type and stage of cancer. Common approaches include surgery to remove the cancer, chemotherapy (using medicines to kill cancer cells), and radiotherapy (using radiation to kill cancer cells). Some people also have immunotherapy, which helps the immune system target cancer, or hormone therapy, which can slow or stop certain cancers from growing. You'll be cared for by a team of specialists who work with you to plan the treatment approach best suited to your situation.
Waiting Times
The NHS aims to diagnose and treat cancer as quickly as possible. Current guidance states that cancer should generally be confirmed or ruled out within 28 days of an urgent referral, and that treatment should start within 31 days of diagnosis, or within 62 days of the original urgent referral.
If you're waiting for tests or results and finding it difficult, support is available — Macmillan Cancer Support runs a free helpline, open every day from 8am to 8pm, and both Macmillan and Cancer Research UK offer detailed information on specific cancer types and treatments.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
