10 early warning signs of cancer you shouldn’t ignore

Every year on World Cancer Day (4 February), we are reminded of the importance of early detection and recognise how vital it is to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer.

At least every 90 seconds someone in the UK is given a cancer diagnosis, with around 420,000 diagnosed every year in the UK.

Meanwhile globally, there are estimated to be up to 20 million new cases of cancer every year.

But cancer survival rates are on the up.

In 2025, 1 in 2 Brits diagnosed with the disease can expect to live for at least ten years, compared with just 1 in 4 in the early 1970s.

These figures are testament to better treatments and screenings, as well as increased awareness, with early detection playing a huge part in catching cancer early; meaning it is more likely to be treated successfully.

To ensure more people are spotting the signs of cancer, we explore 10 early warning signs that you shouldn’t ignore; explaining what they mean, why they are important and how to take action.

1. Unexplained weight loss

Unintentional weight loss can often be one of the symptoms people notice first when something isn’t quite right.

There are a number of reasons that could explain unexpected weight loss, such as stress, thyroid issues or digestive problems; but unexplained weight loss can also be a sign of cancer.

It is especially important to tell your doctor about unexplained weight loss if it is paired with fatigue, appetite changes or digestive symptoms.

What to do:

Keep track of your weight over several weeks. Even a small, consistent decline is worth discussing with your GP.

2. Persistent fatigue

Fatigue can sometimes be one of the first symptoms people notice before they are diagnosed with cancer.

It tends to be more severe than that day-to-day tiredness most of us experience.

It can be a deeper, more persistent exhaustion that isn’t fixed by sleeping more. It can make usual tasks, such as walking upstairs, particularly tiring.

However, some people may experience it more mildly than others.

There are thought to be many potential reasons for the symptom – for instance, it may be the cancer itself, or a low number of red blood cells, resulting in anaemia.

What to do:

If you’re feeling unusually tired, especially if it’s affecting you most days or for more than two weeks, or it is impacting your daily life – speak with your GP.

3. New lumps or swelling

New lumps or swellings anywhere on the body should be looked at by a medical professional, especially if they appear in the breasts, testicles, armpits, neck or groin.

But not all lumps are cancer. Many are cysts or benign growths, such as lipoma, a common benign lump of fatty tissue.

Red flags for potential cancerous lumps may be that it feels hard, is fixed in place, or is increasing in size.

It’s important to be familiar with your body and regularly check yourself in order to spot any changes early.

What to do:

If you notice a new lump or one that has changed in size, shape or texture, book a GP appointment. It’s always better to check.

If you want to know more about health checks for men, read our guide on Key Health Checks and Tests and see how you can make changes to your health today.

4. Changes in bowel habits

Noticing changes in your bowel movements early can be lifesaving.

Around 90% of people diagnosed with stage 1 bowel cancer survive five years or more after their diagnosis.

Being aware of the symptoms is, therefore, incredibly important. These include:

• Blood in your stool
• Persistent bloating
• Change in bowel habits 
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fatigue

Vitality members with a qualifying health plan and over the age of 40 are eligible for an at-home bowel cancer screening test – known as a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) – through our partner Bluecrest, to detect for early signs that could indicate cancer.

However, if you are not a Vitality member and are aged between 50 and 74 and registered with a GP in the UK, you will be offered a FIT through the NHS.

What to do:

Any concerning symptoms, log them and speak to your GP. And if you’re invited for NHS bowel screening, make sure you complete it.

How to manage a bowel cancer diagnosis. Tony’s story | Magazine | Vitality

5. Unexplained bleeding

Any unexplained bleeding or bleeding that’s unusual to you – whether that's vaginal bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, following the menopause, or bleeding from the rectum – should always be checked by a medical professional.

These symptoms can indicate conditions like cervical cancer, bowel cancer or uterine cancer.

Cervical cancer is, however, highly preventable, largely thanks to the success of regular screening.

There are barriers to some people taking part in their smear test. Why not read our guide to your smear test to help you feel more comfortable at your next appointment.

Or if you want to know more about health checks for women, read our guide on Key Health Checks and Tests to consider.

What to do:

Track any changes that occur in a diary and speak to your GP. If you’re due for cervical screening, now is the time to book it.

6. Persistent or unexplained pain

Unexplained or constant pain is not just uncomfortable, but it can be worrying.

Our bodies can naturally be in more pain as we get older, but it can also be an early sign of cancer.

Pain associated with cancer can be caused by a tumour applying pressure on bones, nerves or other organs.

Any type of pain that is ongoing or unexplained – whether that be abdominal, bone, pelvic, chest or pain elsewhere in your body – should be discussed with your GP.

What to do:

Note when the pain occurs, what makes it better or worse and how long it lasts for and make sure to see a GP.

If you are struggling with back, neck or shoulder pain, and have ruled out cancer by your doctor, why not try this yoga session by expert Milly Harrison.

7. Skin changes or evolving moles

Last year, Vitality published its 2024 health claims insights, which showed that skin cancer was one of the most common types of cancers claimed for by its members, only behind breast cancer.

And sadly, claim rates are on the rise.

Between 2019 and 2024, skin cancer claims rates increased by nearly 25%*, according to the findings.

In many cases, however, skin cancer – including melanoma, a skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body – can be caught early, simply by paying attention to any changes to your skin.

Some potentials signs to watch out for include:

• A mole changing shape or colour
• A new mole appearing
• Bleeding, itching or crusting
• A sore that doesn’t heal

What to do:

Use the ABCDE rule to examine your skin: asymmetry, border, colour, diameter, evolving. Any concerns speak to your GP.

VitalityHealth members can access a Skin Analytics service if you are worried about a mark on your skin, following a GP referral.

The analysis kit is sent by post, containing a smart phone and dermascope to take magnified photos of the skin.

If the Consultant Dermatologist who analyses your moles thinks you need further medical assessment and/or treatment, Vitality will contact you to discuss your options based on your plan.

Find out more about Vitality’s Skin Analytics service by clicking here.  

8. Difficulty swallowing or persistent indigestion

Difficulty swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia, or indigestion that is unexplained or doesn’t improve over time could be an early sign of oesophageal or stomach cancer.

These symptoms can be subtle at first – people often put them down to heartburn or stress – but they are worth checking with a GP.

What to do:

If you have any difficulty swallowing or unexplained or persistent indigestion, seek medical advice from your GP.  

9. Long‑lasting cough or hoarseness

A cough that lasts more than three weeks, or a persistent hoarse voice, can not only be incredibly frustrating, but these should also be checked by your doctor.

These symptoms deserve attention as they could be a sign of cancer, for example, lung cancer.

What to do:

Keep track of how long you’ve had the cough and whether it has changed, for example, if you are a smoker, has your ‘smoker’s cough’ become louder?

Make sure to let your GP know of any concerning symptoms.

10. Feeling full quickly or changes in appetite

As mentioned previously, changes to appetite can be an early sign of cancer.

However, these changes can be subtle, feel vague or may be easily overlooked, making them difficult to recognise.

But it’s important to note a few changes that could be a symptom of cancer.

Feeling full quickly when eating, or after small amounts of food, persistent bloating or appetite loss are just a few of the symptoms that should be discussed with your GP.

What to do:

If your appetite changes or you frequently feel full early in meals, don’t ignore it – book an appointment.

Take action: simple steps you can take today

1. Know your normal

Regular self‑checks help you spot changes sooner.

2. Keep up with screening programmes

If you are invited for a screening, book an appointment. It could just save your life.

3. Make small, healthy lifestyle changes

Around 40% of cancer cases could be prevented in the UK each year, largely through lifestyle changes, according to findings.

New research also shows that environmental factors, including everyday choices may have a bigger impact on health and early death than our genetics.

Find out more about the surprising habits potentially increasing your risk of cancer via the Vitality Magazine: 5 surprising habits increasing your risk of cancer | Magazine | Vitality

If you are worried about a cancer diagnosis and want to find out more, visit our Guide to Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment.

*Claims per 1,000 lives

Related: 5 types of cancer screening we should all be aware of