Know the key signs and symptoms of cancer. Anyone can develop cancer, but it is more common as we get older – most cases of cancer are detected are in people aged 50 or over. Studies have shown that people in Africa often develop cancer at a younger age than in the rest of the world – especially breast and prostate cancer.
It is important to know cancer signs and symptoms because the sooner your cancer gets detected, the more likely you are to have successful treatment outcomes. Many people think when something different happens in their body, it is because they are getting older. But if you notice any unusual or persistent changes in your body that is not normal for you, go and see your doctor as soon as possible.
Could it be cancer? Here is a list of cancer signs and symptoms compiled by Cancer Research UK. Please note that the symptoms below are more likely to be caused by something far less serious than cancer, but they could be a sign of the disease.
| Your Body | Signs and Symptoms |
| Mouth | Mouth or tongue ulcer that won’t heal |
| Throat Region | Difficulty swallowing |
| Croaky voice or hoarseness | |
| Chest Region | Breathlessness |
| Coughing up blood | |
| Persistent cough | |
| Unusual breast changes | |
| Gut | Persistent heartburn or indigestion |
| Persistent bloating | |
| Change in bowel habit | |
| Blood in your stool | |
| Urinary System | Blood in your urine |
| Problems urinating | |
| Skin | Sore that won’t heal |
| Heavy night sweats | |
| New mole or changes to a mole | |
| Reproductive System | Unexplained vaginal bleeding |
| Body Weight | Unexplained weight loss |
| Others | Unexplained pain or ache |
| Unusual lump or swelling anywhere |