The 5 Most Common Cancers and their Symptoms

Here are the five most common types of cancer and their symptoms.

Breast cancer

Not only is breast cancer the most common type of cancer for women in the UK, but it’s also leading cause of death for 35-49 year old women. As with any type of cancer, the earlier it’s detected and treated, the greater the survival rate, so it’s important to regularly check your breasts for lumps.

Symptoms can include:

• A lump in the breast
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• An inverted nipple
• Thickening or dimpled breast tissue
• A rash on the nipple
• Discharge from the nipple
• Lumps or swelling in the armpit

Bowel cancer

Every year, 40,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK, most of whom are over 60-years-old. Taking this into account, knowing the symptoms becomes increasingly important as you get older.

Although the following symptoms often occur in those who do not have bowel cancer, they can also be tell-tale signs that justify the need for a professional opinion:

• An on-going change in bowel habits (going to the toilet more often, passing looser stools and having blood on or in stools)
• Weight loss
• A persistent abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating after eating

Lung cancer

As well as being one of the most common cancers in the UK, lung cancer is also one of the most fatal. With 44,500 cases diagnosed every year, it is well worth knowing the symptoms:

• A long-lasting cough (over three weeks)
• Continual, stubborn chest infections
• Coughing up blood or rust-coloured phlegm
• An ache or pain when breathing, coughing or laughing
• Continual breathlessness
• Continual lethargy
• Loss of appetite and weight

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in UK men, with 40,000 men diagnosed each year. Thankfully, treatment has come on leaps and bounds, the survival rate is much higher and, thanks to initiatives like Movember, there’s much more awareness than there used to be about prostate cancer.

That said, it’s important to know the symptoms:

• Trouble urinating (frequent, urgent, or hesitant)
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Problems getting an erection
• Painful ejaculation

Melanoma (skin cancer)

Although the outlook for those with melanoma is relatively high, with a 90% survival rate, it’s hugely common in the UK, with an average of two people diagnosed each day.

The best way to identify melanoma is by identifying a change in as mole, or the appearance of a new mole. If you notice a mole that has one of the following characteristics, make an appointment with your GP:

• Getting bigger
• Itchy or painful
• Changing colour
• Changing shape
• Bleeding or getting crusty

If do you have one or more of the above symptoms, book an appointment with your GP and get checked out. It always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.