Cancer symptoms: DON'T overlook these four common, but less obvious, signs of the disease

CANCER symptoms are not always obvious and can often be confused with much less serious conditions. It’s therefore vital to always be aware of any unexplained changes to your body, even if they don’t make you feel ill or you don’t think they are a big deal. Here are four common, but less obvious, signs of cancer you mustn’t overlook.

10:13, Thu, Jan 24, 2019 | UPDATED: 14:50, Thu, Jan 24, 2019

NHS warn 'don't ignore' blood in urine as it is a cancer symptom

Some form of cancer will develop in more than one in three people in the UK during their lifetime, according to the NHS. Many people are aware of some of the symptoms, but with over 200 types of cancer it’s impossible to know every single one. Some symptoms of cancer may seem obvious, like the development of a lump that is growing in size, but worryingly many symptoms can be easily confused with less serious conditions. Confusing cancer symptoms with other problems can put many people off seeing their GP, allowing the cancer to advance and treatment to become more difficult.

It's important to be aware of any unexplained changes to your body, such as the sudden appearance of a lump, blood in your urine, or a change to your usual bowel habits
NHS

The NHS warns on paying attention to any unexplained changes to your body and visiting your doctor if they don’t improve.

While they may not necessarily signify cancer, it’s best to get them checked out just in case. Here are four common symptoms of cancer which could be overlooked:

Persistent heartburn or indigestion

Most of the time heartburn and indigestion are nothing to be concerned about and simply occur after eating certain foods.

However, if you experience heartburn or indigestion a lot, or it is particularly painful, it could be a sign of cancers including stomach cancer and oesophageal cancer.

Man with head in hands; woman looking in mirror

See a GP if you notice any explained changes to your body (Image: Getty Images)

Persistent bloating

Stomach bloating often occurs after eating a big meal, or can be related to digestion problems such as IBS.

But if you feel bloated on most days, even if it comes and goes, see a doctor as it could be a sign of cancers including stomach cancer and bowel cancer.

Changes in bowel habits

Changes in bowel habits can be caused by stomach bugs or food poisoning, leading to diarrhoea or just the need to use the toilet more.

However, if these changes are persistent or come alongside blood in the stools, they could be a sign of bowel cancer - so see a GP.

Man with indigestion

Persistent indigestion can be a sign of stomach cancer (Image: Getty Images)

Man running to toilet

Changes in bowel habits can be a sign of bowel cancer (Image: Getty Images)

Unexplained weight loss

Small weight changes over time are quite normal, but if you unintentionally lose a noticeable amount of weight over a couple of months, see your doctor.

Unexplained weight loss is a symptom of a whole host of types of cancer.

“It's important to be aware of any unexplained changes to your body, such as the sudden appearance of a lump, blood in your urine, or a change to your usual bowel habits,” said the NHS.

“These symptoms are often caused by other, non-cancerous illnesses, but it's important to see your GP so they can investigate.”