Doctor goes through ten signs that suggest you DON’T have cancer
Let’s buck the trend with something positive about the condition, for once
CANCER is always in the news. And it’s rarely good, is it?
Only last week we heard that improvements are needed if England is going to meet its 2020 cancer targets.
So let’s buck the trend with something positive about the condition, for once.
Such as ten pointers that suggest that, whatever you have got, it’s not the Big C.
1. Symptoms that have been there for ages
Had that bad back, headache, cough or whatever for years? Then it’s highly unlikely to be cancer. After all, it would have made you very ill, or even finished you off, by now. So a long-term problem might be a pain but the silver lining is it’s nothing sinister.
2. Symptoms that have only just come on
The other extreme is almost as reassuring.
If you’ve only been suffering your symptoms for a day or two, then cancer — while a possibility — is way down the list. Most symptoms sort themselves out given time. If not, get your doc to check.
3. Symptoms that come and go
That’s not how cancer usually works. It tends to cause constant symptoms which slowly worsen over weeks or months. There are exceptions, though. Bowel cancer can cause diarrhoea and blood which comes and goes, for example.
4. You are young
Less than one per cent of many of the well-known cancers — lung, bowel, gullet, womb, stomach and prostate, for example — affect the under-forties.
The exceptions are cancers of the testicle and lymph glands. And there are some very rare cancers that only happen in childhood.
5. You’ve got a painful lump
Most lumps aren’t cancerous — although they need checking if they’re new. And most cancerous lumps don’t hurt. So a painful lump is very unlikely to be anything sinister.
It could be an infection, though, in which case you might need some antibiotics.
6. You have a headache with no other symptoms
Admit it. You’re worried you’ve got a brain tumour. Well I have good news: The stats are reassuring, with the odds being less than one in a thousand. It’s different if you’ve got other new symptoms, though, such as fits. In which case, it’s time for an urgent scan.
7. You are a non-smoker
Smoking is the single biggest preventable cause of the Big C. It’s linked to at least 14 cancers, including lung, voicebox, gullet, mouth, bladder, stomach and bowel. Being a non-smoker is no guarantee that you won’t be a victim — but it significantly lowers your risk.
8. You have breast pain
Understandably, this can terrify women. If it is affecting both sides, you certainly don’t need to worry about cancer. And even if it’s one-sided, chances are it’s harmless. Get checked if you can feel a lump, though, or if it persists.
9. Constipation alone
Having bunged-up bowels with no other symptoms is usually just a sign that your exercise levels or diet need sorting — or that you’re taking medication with constipation as a side-effect. But if you’ve got diarrhoea or blood, too, you need to see your doctor.
10. Your GP says your tests are normal
Your doctor may have arranged blood tests and, maybe, a chest X-ray. Normal results are reassuring — usually, something will be out of kilter if you’ve got a “Nasty” lurking somewhere.
But basic tests don’t totally give you the all-clear — if your problem persists, you might need more detailed investigations.
If in doubt, of course, it is best to consult your GP. But do bear in mind that most symptoms are, thankfully, harmless. So chances are you’ll just get a dose of reassurance.
Will scan ease back ache worries?
Question: I’VE had disc problems in my back for many years. This time it’s really bad, with back pain and sciatica down my leg. I’m worried it’s serious – should I ask for a scan?
Jeanette, by email
Answer: It’s certainly worth discussing it with your GP. Most bad backs don’t need scans. That’s because the symptoms usually get better on their own, and scans don’t give much useful information.
There are two exceptions. One is if the back pain might be caused by something serious – like cancer.
This is rare. Clues include severe pain getting worse over weeks or months with no let-up and no improvement with painkillers. The pain may repeatedly wake you at night and you might also be generally unwell – losing weight, say.
The other exception is if your doc suspects a slipped disc. This disc can press on a nerve – typically the sciatic nerve – causing pain down your leg.
Most of these improve given time. But if it goes on for months, a scan is a good idea – because you might need an op.
The scan will help confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint for the surgeon exactly where the problem is.
Question: I HAVE long-term varicose veins from my knee down to my foot. Over the last few months,
I’ve noticed a brown pigment on the front of my shin. I’ve tried various creams – but nothing gets rid of it.
Mick, by email
Answer: I would stop wasting your time and money with creams – nothing will clear it. The discolouration is caused by small amounts of blood leaking out of your varicose veins. This leaves a
pigment in your skin. Unfortunately, this staining is permanent.
The better news is that it’s harmless. Support stockings – prescribable by your GP – might stop it getting worse. They also help if the veins ache or cause swollen ankles.
Question: With every meal, I have a problem with food sticking. What should I do about this?
Fred, by email
Answer: It’s essential that you get this checked soon. While there may be some harmless explanation, food sticking can be a sign of something seriously wrong with your gullet.
So book an appointment with your GP asap. He’s likely to send you to a specialist to have a camera put down your gullet.
That way, your doctors will know exactly what they’re dealing with and will be able to discuss treatment with you.
Dr Hopcroft cannot be held liable for advice given here as answers to queries can only be given in general terms. If you are seriously worried about your health, please book an appointment with your own GP.