Doctors stress the importance of self-checking for signs of cancer every three weeks, as early detection can be life-saving. Dr. Richard Lee explained, “The earlier that a cancer is diagnosed, treatments are easier \[to tolerate] and treatment success is more likely.”
Only 39% of Brits regularly examine their bodies, according to an NHS survey. Experts now advise people to look for the following warning signs:
* **Unexplained weight loss**: “Cancer can be associated with reduced appetite and weight loss, essentially due to the metabolic effects of the cancer,” said Dr. Lee.
* **Lumps or swelling**: Regularly check your body for unfamiliar lumps. Breast cancer, for example, may appear as a hard, irregular, painless lump. Swelling in the neck, armpit, or groin could point to lymphoma. Dr. Premini Mahendra noted that painful swelling often comes from infections, while painless swelling lasting two weeks or more may indicate lymphoma.
* **Changes in moles**: Watch for new moles or changes in existing ones. Dr. Lee advised: “You’re looking for anything that’s changing… bleeding, more lumpy, irregular, or a sore that isn’t healing.”
* **Unexplained bruising and fatigue**: These may be symptoms of leukaemia. Patients may also experience frequent infections or shortness of breath.
Not all changes mean cancer, but awareness matters.
