Worried about signs that could be cancer? Contact your GP practice | NHS

What are signs of cancer?

Cancer can have signs (clues) that something is wrong. These are things you can see or feel in your body.

Here are some signs to look for:

• A lump (a bump) in your body that is new or growing.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Changes in your skin, like a new spot or a sore that doesn't heal.
• Coughing that doesn't go away or problems breathing.
• Losing weight without trying.
• Feeling tired all the time.

If you or someone you know notices these signs, it's important to talk to a doctor. They can help find out what's going on.

Helpful tools:

• Ask someone you trust to go with you to the doctor.
• Write down any signs you have before you see the doctor.
• Use pictures to explain how you feel.

When should I talk to my doctor about signs of cancer?

If you notice anything different about your body and you feel worried, it is important to talk to your doctor.

Here are some signs to watch out for:

• Lumps or bumps that you can feel or see.
• Changes in your skin, like new spots or moles that look different.
• Bleeding or bruises that do not go away.
• Feeling very tired all the time.
• Any change in your body that does not feel normal.

Remember, only a doctor can tell if something is serious or not. It is always okay to ask for help.

If you need help talking to the doctor, you can:

• Bring a friend or family member with you.
• Write down your questions before you go.
• Ask the doctor to explain things in a simple way.

How can I make a doctor appointment if I'm worried about cancer signs?

If you are worried about signs that might be cancer, you can see your doctor. Here is how you can book a time to see your doctor:

• Call the doctor's office to book a time.
• Visit the doctor's office and ask to book a time.
• Check if you can book a time online on the doctor's website.

If you need help, you can ask a family member or friend. They can help you call or use the computer. You can also ask the doctor's office if they have someone who can help you book an appointment.

Can changing how I live help stop cancer?

Changing some things in your life might help you stay healthy and lower the chance of getting cancer. Here are some ideas:

• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables to keep your body strong.
• Try to exercise every day. Even a little bit helps!
• Avoid smoking and stay away from smoke.
• Limit sugary drinks and junk food.
• Protect your skin from the sun by wearing hats and sunscreen.

If you find reading difficult, try using tools that read out loud to you or highlight words. You can also ask a friend or family member to explain things to you.

What tests can find cancer early in the UK?

Do all people have the same signs of cancer?

Can my doctor do cancer tests?

Can I get help if I find out I have cancer?

If you find out you have cancer, you can get help. There are people and places that can support you. Here are some ways to get help:

• Doctors and Nurses: They can give you medicine and help you feel better.
• Family and Friends: You can talk to them and share your feelings.
• Support Groups: You can meet other people with cancer and talk about what you are going through.
• Counselors: They can help you talk about your fears and feel less worried.

You can also use helpful tools:

• Picture Books: Books with pictures that explain cancer in simple words.
• Apps: There are phone apps that help you remember your medicine and appointments.

Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who can help you feel better.

Do all lumps mean cancer?

How can I lower my chance of getting cancer if it runs in my family?

Having family members with cancer can be worrying, but there are ways to help keep yourself healthy. Here are some simple things you can do:

• Eat healthy foods: Try to eat more fruits and vegetables. They help keep your body strong and healthy.
• Exercise regularly: Moving your body is good for you. Try to be active every day, like walking or playing outside.
• Don’t smoke: Smoking is very bad for your health. If you smoke, ask for help to stop.
• Limit alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol is not good for your health. Try to drink less.
• See your doctor: Regular doctor visits can help find any problems early.

These steps can help you stay healthy. You can also talk to your doctor for more advice.

Using tools like picture cards or apps can also help you remember these tips.

Do you always need chemotherapy to treat cancer?

Not always. There are different ways to treat cancer. Some people need chemotherapy, but not everyone. Doctors might use surgery or radiation instead. It depends on the type of cancer and what the doctor thinks is best.

Tools like pictures or videos can help explain cancer treatments. You can also ask someone you trust to explain it to you in simple words.

Can all kinds of cancer be found early with tests?

Doctors have special tests to find some cancers early.

But not all cancers have early tests.

It is important to see a doctor if you feel unwell.

Going for regular check-ups can help, too.

Asking family or friends to come with you to the doctor can make it easier. They can help you understand what the doctor says.

You can also write down questions so you don’t forget.

Does the NHS pay for finding and treating cancer?

Yes, the NHS helps you if you have cancer. They pay for tests to find cancer and for treatment to help you get better.

If you find reading hard, ask someone you trust for help. You can also use tools like audiobooks to listen to the information instead.

What to do if you are worried about a mole changing?

If you notice a mole on your skin is changing, don't worry, but tell a grown-up. Here is what you can do:

• Ask an adult to look at it with you.
• Visit a doctor to check the mole.

The doctor knows how to help. It is always good to check!

Using a calendar can help you remember when you first noticed the change. Taking a picture can also be useful to show the doctor.

Ask for help if you find reading or writing hard. A family member, carer, or friend can help you. Speaking out loud and listening can make it easier.

Can kids and teenagers get cancer?

Cancer is when some bad cells in the body grow and don't stop. It can happen to anyone, even kids and teenagers. But it is not very common in young people.

If you have questions or worries about cancer, it's good to talk to a doctor or a nurse. They can give you the best help and answers.

Using a calendar or making a journal can be a helpful way to keep track of doctor visits and how you're feeling. Reading books for kids about health might also help you understand more.

What are signs of cancer?

Cancer can have signs (clues) that something is wrong. These are things you can see or feel in your body.

Here are some signs to look for:

• A lump (a bump) in your body that is new or growing.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Changes in your skin, like a new spot or a sore that doesn't heal.
• Coughing that doesn't go away or problems breathing.
• Losing weight without trying.
• Feeling tired all the time.

If you or someone you know notices these signs, it's important to talk to a doctor. They can help find out what's going on.

Helpful tools:

• Ask someone you trust to go with you to the doctor.
• Write down any signs you have before you see the doctor.
• Use pictures to explain how you feel.

When should I talk to my doctor about signs of cancer?

If you notice anything different about your body and you feel worried, it is important to talk to your doctor.

Here are some signs to watch out for:

• Lumps or bumps that you can feel or see.
• Changes in your skin, like new spots or moles that look different.
• Bleeding or bruises that do not go away.
• Feeling very tired all the time.
• Any change in your body that does not feel normal.

Remember, only a doctor can tell if something is serious or not. It is always okay to ask for help.

If you need help talking to the doctor, you can:

• Bring a friend or family member with you.
• Write down your questions before you go.
• Ask the doctor to explain things in a simple way.

How can I make a doctor appointment if I'm worried about cancer signs?

If you are worried about signs that might be cancer, you can see your doctor. Here is how you can book a time to see your doctor:

• Call the doctor's office to book a time.
• Visit the doctor's office and ask to book a time.
• Check if you can book a time online on the doctor's website.

If you need help, you can ask a family member or friend. They can help you call or use the computer. You can also ask the doctor's office if they have someone who can help you book an appointment.

Can changing how I live help stop cancer?

Changing some things in your life might help you stay healthy and lower the chance of getting cancer. Here are some ideas:

• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables to keep your body strong.
• Try to exercise every day. Even a little bit helps!
• Avoid smoking and stay away from smoke.
• Limit sugary drinks and junk food.
• Protect your skin from the sun by wearing hats and sunscreen.

If you find reading difficult, try using tools that read out loud to you or highlight words. You can also ask a friend or family member to explain things to you.

What tests can find cancer early in the UK?

Do all people have the same signs of cancer?

Can my doctor do cancer tests?

Can I get help if I find out I have cancer?

If you find out you have cancer, you can get help. There are people and places that can support you. Here are some ways to get help:

• Doctors and Nurses: They can give you medicine and help you feel better.
• Family and Friends: You can talk to them and share your feelings.
• Support Groups: You can meet other people with cancer and talk about what you are going through.
• Counselors: They can help you talk about your fears and feel less worried.

You can also use helpful tools:

• Picture Books: Books with pictures that explain cancer in simple words.
• Apps: There are phone apps that help you remember your medicine and appointments.

Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who can help you feel better.

Do all lumps mean cancer?

How can I lower my chance of getting cancer if it runs in my family?

Having family members with cancer can be worrying, but there are ways to help keep yourself healthy. Here are some simple things you can do:

• Eat healthy foods: Try to eat more fruits and vegetables. They help keep your body strong and healthy.
• Exercise regularly: Moving your body is good for you. Try to be active every day, like walking or playing outside.
• Don’t smoke: Smoking is very bad for your health. If you smoke, ask for help to stop.
• Limit alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol is not good for your health. Try to drink less.
• See your doctor: Regular doctor visits can help find any problems early.

These steps can help you stay healthy. You can also talk to your doctor for more advice.

Using tools like picture cards or apps can also help you remember these tips.

Do you always need chemotherapy to treat cancer?

Not always. There are different ways to treat cancer. Some people need chemotherapy, but not everyone. Doctors might use surgery or radiation instead. It depends on the type of cancer and what the doctor thinks is best.

Tools like pictures or videos can help explain cancer treatments. You can also ask someone you trust to explain it to you in simple words.

Can all kinds of cancer be found early with tests?

Doctors have special tests to find some cancers early.

But not all cancers have early tests.

It is important to see a doctor if you feel unwell.

Going for regular check-ups can help, too.

Asking family or friends to come with you to the doctor can make it easier. They can help you understand what the doctor says.

You can also write down questions so you don’t forget.

Does the NHS pay for finding and treating cancer?

Yes, the NHS helps you if you have cancer. They pay for tests to find cancer and for treatment to help you get better.

If you find reading hard, ask someone you trust for help. You can also use tools like audiobooks to listen to the information instead.

What to do if you are worried about a mole changing?

If you notice a mole on your skin is changing, don't worry, but tell a grown-up. Here is what you can do:

• Ask an adult to look at it with you.
• Visit a doctor to check the mole.

The doctor knows how to help. It is always good to check!

Using a calendar can help you remember when you first noticed the change. Taking a picture can also be useful to show the doctor.

Ask for help if you find reading or writing hard. A family member, carer, or friend can help you. Speaking out loud and listening can make it easier.

Can kids and teenagers get cancer?

Cancer is when some bad cells in the body grow and don't stop. It can happen to anyone, even kids and teenagers. But it is not very common in young people.

If you have questions or worries about cancer, it's good to talk to a doctor or a nurse. They can give you the best help and answers.

Using a calendar or making a journal can be a helpful way to keep track of doctor visits and how you're feeling. Reading books for kids about health might also help you understand more.