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5 symptoms of cancer you might be ignoring but should not
Some symptoms may seem like nothing to worry about but actually could be a sign of cancer
News
BySophie BuchanMoney and Lifestyle Writer
- 00:32, 29 JUL 2026
A bloated, ‘can’t eat another bite’ feeling after a big meal is usually nothing to worry about. But doctors warn there’s a different, more persistent kind of fullness that shouldn’t be brushed off – because in some cases it can be linked to cancer
In guidance on cancer symptoms people may overlook, Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that while some cancers cause no noticeable signs at first, many trigger changes in the body. One of those can be feeling unusually full quickly or staying full for longer than expected
The clinicians recommend keeping an eye on symptoms that are new, come on suddenly, or gradually get worse. If that describes what you’re experiencing, it’s sensible to discuss it with your GP so any underlying cause can be ruled out
5 signs that could be cancer you should not ignore
1. Shortness of Breath -There are plenty of reasons you might feel short of breath — something as simple as being a bit out of condition, for example. However, if you’re getting winded during routine activities or when climbing the stairs, that’s not typical and it’s worth getting checked by a GP
2. Lumps and Masses -Lumps aren’t always a cause for alarm. For instance, when you have a cold, your lymph nodes can swell – a temporary response as your body fights off infection. But if you’re concerned, the lump doesn’t go away, or there’s no obvious reason for it, it’s best to speak to your GP
3. Difficulty Swallowing or Feeling Full – Do you feel like food gets stuck in your throat, or that swallowing is difficult? This is known as dysphagia. It isn’t always a sign of cancer, but if it worsens over time you should speak to your doctor. Maybe you notice a “full” feeling even when you’re hardly eating – that also warrants a visit to your doctor
4. Changes in Body Functions –There are other ways your body may try to alert you to a potential cancer. You should contact your doctor if you have these symptoms:
Difficulty passing urine or passing stool
Feeling like you’re not emptying your bowels completely
Any other change from your normal bowel function
Sudden constipation or diarrhea
Passing air in urine or urine mixed in your stool
5. Bleeding -Clinicians say some kinds of bleeding can be more concerning than others when it comes to cancer risk. They may still have non-cancer causes, but these symptoms should be assessed by a doctor to rule out anything serious
Bleeding to look out for includes:
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Bloody nipple discharge
Blood in stool, which can look dark or tarry
Coughing up blood, called hemoptysis
Cancer Research says there’s no definite way to prevent cancer and even making lifestyle changes comes with “no guarantees”. However, it adds that certain healthy steps can lower your risk
You can try the following:
Have a healthy, balanced diet
Get the HPV vaccine
Protect your skin from the sun
Keep a healthy weight
Stop smoking
Cut down on alcohol
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