Possible Symptoms

How does cancer first show its signs, and what should you look out for? Here we help you to learn more about the symptoms specific to each cancer type, and also, how you can make better health and dietary choices to minimise your risk of getting cancer. We always advocate that prevention is better than cure.

  • Rank 1
    Lung Cancer
    • Symptoms

    • Persistent cough

    • Blood in your sputum

    • Chest pain

    • Ongoing hoarse voice

    • Shortness of breath

    • Prevention & Early Detection

    • Stop smoking

  • Rank 2
    Colorectum Cancer
    • Symptoms

    • Blood in your stool or black poo

    • A sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement

    • Change in bowel habits

    • Family history of colon cancer

    • Prevention & Early Detection

    • Consume more fruit and vegetables

    • Lessen intake of red meat, high-fat and processed foods Avoid or limit alcohol consumption

  • Rank 3
    Breast Cancer
    • Symptoms

    • Lump in the breast

    • Changes in breast size or shape

    • Changes in the skin, such as puckering, dimpling or a rash

    • Family history of breast cancer

    • Prevention & Early Detection

    • Know about breast health and checking techniques

    • Schedule regular check-ups

  • Rank 4
    Prostate cancer
    • Symptoms

    • Trouble or pain urinating

    • Unusually sudden and urgent need to urinate

    • Blood when urinating

    • Urinating frequently

    • Prevention & Early Detection

    • Consume more fruit and vegetables

    • Men over the age of 50 should be especially aware of their prostate

  • Rank 5
    Liver cancer
    • Symptoms

    • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark-coloured urine)

    • General pain in the upper abdomen

    • Loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea and lethargy

    • Prevention & Early Detection

    • Get a Hepatitis B vaccination

    • Avoid or limit alcohol consumption

  • Rank 6
    Stomach cancer
    • Symptoms

    • Persistent indigestion

    • Drastic weight loss

    • Vomiting (sometimes with blood)

    • Pain in the upper abdomen

    • Prevention & Early Detection

    • Avoid eating smoked and preserved foods

    • Stop smoking

  • Rank 7
    Corpus Uteri Cancer
    • Symptoms and risk factors

    • Change in menstrual cycle

    • Abnormal vaginal bleeding

    • Pain in the pelvis during sex and/or when urinating, a change in bowel habits, lump detected at lower abdomen, pus discharge from vagina

    • Prevention and examination

    • Pelvic examination, endometrial sampling

  • Rank 8
    Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
    • Symptoms

    • Painless swelling in the neck, armpits or groin

    • Excessive sweating or fever

    • Persistent itchiness all over the body

    • Prevention & Early Detection

    • Get checked by a doctor if they have relevant symptoms

  • Rank 9
    Non-melanoma skin cancer
    • Symptoms

    • A spot or mole that changes in colour, bleeds or appears larger

    • Skin ulceration that does not heal

    • Prevention & Early Detection

    • Avoid overexposure to the sun

    • Use sunscreen outdoors

    • Don’t use tanning beds

    • Cover up your body with clothing, hat and sunglasses

  • Rank 10
    Thyroid Cancer
    • Symptoms and risk factors

    • A painless and growing lump that is palpable at your neck

    • Changes to your voice, may result in hoarseness

    • The tumour may press against the oesophagus or trachea, causing difficulty in swallowing or breathing

    • Prevention and examination

    • Please consult your doctor if you have questions

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