Spotting cancer early could save your life – so see a GP to get any worries checked out

PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HM GOVERNMENT

HALF of us will face a diagnosis of cancer at some point in our lifetimes, statistics from Cancer Research UK reveal. 

But by staying alert to changes in your body, you can help doctors to catch the disease early, when survival rates are higher. 

While you might feel embarrassed to report symptoms or worry that you’re wasting your GP’s time, don’t – because speaking up could save your life. 

The changes you’ve noticed may be nothing serious, but the doctor is best placed to decide whether you need tests to rule out cancer. 

The disease can spread from one part of the body to another in a process known as metastasis, so the sooner it’s spotted, the better the chance of stopping it. 

Plus, early diagnosis may sometimes mean that more aggressive forms of treatment such as chemotherapy are not needed. 

NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, says: “Cancer symptoms and early warning signs can be very varied, with some being less obvious than others. 

“But what’s important to know is what is normal for you, so you can spot any changes. If you have concerns or if something in your body doesn’t feel quite right, you should contact your GP practice. 

“It could be nothing, but diagnosing cancer earlier could save your life.” 

Breast, lung, prostate and bowel cancer are the four most common types, but the disease takes more than 200 forms. 

“The symptoms can be quite common,” Professor Johnson explains, “such as breathlessness, night sweats or feeling tired when you’re not sure why – but if something doesn’t feel right for you, please contact your local GP practice. 

“Finding cancer earlier saves lives.”