8 Cancer Signs You Might Be Missing

A lump, unexplained pain or weight loss are changes we associate with cancer, but there are more subtle ones

1 Bloating

Abdominal bloating affects most of us at some time and is usually linked to digestive issues including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and coeliac disease. But occasionally, bloating can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as ovarian cancer.

‘It’s commonest after the menopause in women over the age of 50,’ says Dr Melanie Wynne-Jones. ‘It can be hard to diagnose early, as symptoms are often vague.’

Look also for pain in your side, back or lower tummy, passing urine more frequently, and irregular or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. If symptoms are persistent or frequent (most days for three weeks), or you have a family history of breast/ovarian cancer, see your GP.

2 Bleeding after menopause

This should always be checked, as it can be a symptom of either cervical or ovarian cancer. Also get checked out if you bleed after sex or experience pain or discomfort during it, have smelly vaginal discharge or experience back pain. ‘There are over 3,100 new cases of cervical cancer a year in the UK,’ says Dr Mel. ‘And over 850 deaths – a dramatic fall since cervical screening (smear testing) was introduced.’ Early-stage cervical cancer is often symptomless, so make sure you go for regular cervical screening when invited.

BUT REMEMBER