Spotting Cancer Earlier: Changes Worth Getting Checked

Written by: Rachel Rawson, Director of Nursing at Perci Health

Know what's normal for you, what changes are worth checking, and what may happen when you speak to your GP.

There are more than 200 types of cancer, each with its own signs and symptoms. Most changes to your body won't be cancer. But it's important to report anything that's different or new for you to your GP or another healthcare professional if you are concerned. Finding cancer earlier can mean there are more treatment options available and, for many cancers, can improve the chances of successful treatment.

There is no single symptom checklist that can tell you whether or not you have cancer. The most useful starting point is knowing what is normal for your body and acting when something changes.

If you receive an amber or red cancer-related result at your Bluecrest assessment, you can access specialist nurse guidance at no extra cost as part of your Bluecrest service, delivered by Perci Health.

What's normal for you?

Knowing what's normal for your body can help you spot when something changes. You do not need to constantly check yourself for signs of cancer. Instead, it can help to be familiar with things such as:

• What your skin and moles usually look like
• Your normal bowel and bladder habits
• Whether your weight is usually stable
• How your breasts or chest usually look and feel
• Whether you regularly experience particular aches, pains or digestive symptoms

This can make it easier to recognise when something is different.

Which symptoms should you see your GP about?

The NHS recommends speaking to your GP if you experience symptoms including:

• A cough or change in your voice that does not go away
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats
• A persistent change in bowel or bladder habits
• A new lump or swelling
• Unusual or unexplained bleeding
• A persistent change to a mole or area of skin
• Difficulty swallowing or persistent indigestion
• Unexplained pain or tiredness

These symptoms are often caused by something other than cancer. However, if something feels unusual, unexplained or does not go away, speak to your GP rather than trying to determine the cause yourself.

It may be helpful to keep a note of your symptoms while you wait for your appointment.

Don't wait

People sometimes delay speaking to their GP because a symptom seems minor, they are busy, or they are worried about wasting someone's time.

You do not need to wait until a change becomes severe before asking for advice. If something isn't normal for you, is getting worse or is not going away, your GP can help decide whether it needs further investigation.

Why online searches can't replace medical advice

If you're concerned about new or persistent symptoms, it can be tempting to Google them or use AI instead of booking an appointment with your GP or healthcare provider.

Online information can be useful for general health education, but it cannot examine you, take account of your full medical history or arrange any tests you may need. Searching symptoms online can sometimes cause unnecessary worry. It can also provide false reassurance and lead someone to delay seeking medical advice. GPs and other healthcare professionals are especially experienced in managing unclear symptoms.

If you are worried about a change, speaking to a healthcare professional is the safest way to understand whether anything further needs to happen.

What should you expect when you see your GP about symptoms?

Your GP will ask you questions about the symptom you've noticed and how long you've been experiencing it, whether it has changed, and anything else that may be relevant, such as your medical history, medications or family history.

They might need to examine you, but this isn't always the case. Depending on your symptoms, your GP may decide that no further action is needed, arrange some tests, or refer you to a specialist for further investigation.

What will happen if your GP thinks cancer could be a possibility?

Your GP may arrange tests themselves, refer you to a specialist team, or do both. The exact next step will depend on your symptoms and individual circumstances.

If you are referred to a specialist, they will be experts in the area of the body which may need further checks. A referral does not mean you have cancer. It simply means your GP thinks the symptom or change should be investigated more closely. Based on the change you have noticed, your GP will know how urgently any further tests or specialist review are needed.

The most important thing: act on a change

Most changes to your body will have an explanation other than cancer. But if something is new, unusual or persistent for you, don't rely on guesswork. Speak to your GP or another healthcare professional and let them decide whether it needs checking.

Cancer screening and symptom awareness work together. Even if you take part in routine cancer screening, you should still speak to your GP about a new or unexplained symptom rather than waiting for your next screening invitation.

Get extra support

If you receive an amber or red cancer-related result at your Bluecrest assessment, you can access specialist nurse guidance at no extra cost as part of your Bluecrest service, delivered by Perci Health.