It is estimated that one in two people will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime, according to the NHS. There are over 200 different types of cancer with the four most common ones in the UK being breast, lung, prostate and bowel cancer. The multiple types of cancer present with different signs and symptoms although some, such as weight loss, tiredness and inexplicable pain are not unique to any particular cancer.
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Depending on the type of cancer, some symptoms may affect specific areas of the body before spreading to other parts if not caught early, the Cancer Research UK noted.
The type of symptoms a person may have can be different to others, and some people don’t have any symptoms. So, you don’t need to remember all the signs and symptoms of cancer.
Besides, most of the signs may also be caused by conditions less dire than cancer, but you may want to have them checked as spotting cancer early could save your life.
One of the rather uncommon signs of cancer that you may not have been aware of is hearing voices in your head. According to experts at the Cancer Research UK, this could be a result of a temporal lobe tumour.
Other signs & symptoms
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine say you should see a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms, although they may not necessarily mean you have cancer:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Very heavy night sweats or fever
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Unexplained pain or ache
- Unusual lump or swelling anywhere
The NHS assures that:
In many cases your symptoms will not be related to cancer and will be caused by other, non-cancerous health conditions.
Sources used:
Cancer Research UK: Signs and symptoms of cancer
Johns Hopkins Medicine: Early cancer warning signs
NHS: Cancer overview
