Do you know the lesser known symptoms of cancer? Recognizing them can help you make an early diagnosis

The best way to protect yourself is to be aware of your body and all the changes that are taking place in it.

That’s because you know your body better than anyone. You know what is normal for you and what is not. Everybody is different. So if something changes that you are concerned about, it is best to contact your GP practice as soon as possible.

Chances are it’s nothing serious and your mind will calm down. If your doctor is concerned, he may also refer you for testing. This will likely rule out cancer again rather than confirm a diagnosis and allow you to move on with your life.

If you feel any change in your body, it is best to contact your doctor as soon as possible

But whatever the outcome, the NHS will be there to treat you every step of the way.

But together they are the fifth most common cancer in Britain – and the most common in children – with around 41,000 people diagnosed each year.

That is why it is important to know which signals to look out for. They contain:

  • breathlessness
  • Drenching night sweats
  • Persistent, recurrent or severe infections
  • Unexplained fever
  • Unexplained rash or itchy skin
  • Pain in bones, joints or stomach
  • fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Unexplained bruising or bleeding
  • Lumps or swelling

“Symptoms can vary,” says Professor Peter Johnson. “Some of these, such as shortness of breath, night sweats or fatigue that you don’t know why, seem to be common. But if you feel uncomfortable with anything, contact your GP practice.”