Finding cancer earlier often means it can be treated more successfully and for some types of cancer, it means there may be more treatment options.
Get checked out by your doctor if you find something that doesn’t feel or look right.
What can I do?
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See your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms or if you are concerned.
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Get screened regularly
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Be Breast Aware and Check your skin regularly.
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Talk to your doctor if you have a family history of cancer, as you may need tests more often and from a younger age.
Signs and symptoms to look out for
Most changes in your body are not caused by cancer. But it’s still important to pay attention to anything that feels unusual for you.
If you notice one or more of the signs or symptoms in the list below, or any other change that doesn’t seem normal, even if its not in this list, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.
You don’t need to wait for things to get worse or for another symptom to appear. Visit your whānau doctor to find out what’s causing your symptoms and get the right tests and treatment if you need it.
Signs and symptoms may include:
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Bleeding for no known reason (e.g. blood in your poo or pee, coughing up blood, vomiting blood or unexplained vaginal bleeding) or unexplained bruising
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A new lump, thickening or swelling anywhere on your body
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Unexplained pain or discomfort in your body that doesn’t go away
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Unexplained tiredness that doesn’t get better after you rest
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Weight loss or gain for no known reason
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Loss of appetite (not feeling hungry)
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Heavy night sweats
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Hoarseness or new and changed cough that won’t go away
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Difficulty swallowing or breathlessness
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Bowel changes such as changes in bowel habits and in the way your poo looks, constipation or looser poo that last more than 2-3 weeks
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Problems peeing or frequent need to urinate
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Changes to skin or nails, including new or changing spots, patches or moles, a sore that won’t heal, or yellowing skin
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Persistent heartburn, feeling full or bloated after eating small amounts
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Severe headaches, vision and hearing problems, changes in thinking or personality.
For more advice about signs and symptoms of specific types of cancer see: Types of Cancer
