Here is a summary of NICE guidelines for hospital referral by their doctor where cancer is suspected ; in most cases for adults aged over 40. There’s much more detail here ( http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG12...ecommendations ) - but this might just help a few members or their loved ones, without causing alarm.


LUNG :- 1 or more symptoms ( smokers ) or 2 or more symptoms :- cough ; fatigue ; shortness of breath ; chest pain ; weight loss ; appetite loss.


STOMACH and OESOPHAGUS ( gullet ) :- difficulty swallowing ; upper abdominal pain ; reflux ; indigestion.


LARGE BOWEL :- weight loss ; abdominal pain ; change in bowel habit / bleeding.


BREAST :- lump with/without pain ; discharge from / change in shape of nipple ; lump in armpit.


OVARY :- “ bloating “ of abdomen ; feeling full and / or loss of appetite.


WOMB :- bleeding after menopause.


CERVIX :- bleeding/ ulceration/ pain unrelated to period.


KIDNEY / BLADDER :- blood in urine.


PROSTATE :- increased frequency / urgency / nocturia ( passing urine at night ).


TESTIS :- non-painful enlargement.


MALIGNANT MELANOMA of skin :- change in size, shape, colour, ulceration of " pigmented mole ".


BASAL CELL CARCINOMA / “ rodent ulcer “ of skin :- persisting ulcer.


ORAL / mouth :- persisting ulcer ; lump in neck.


LEUKAEMIA :- tiredness ; pale.


LYMPHOMA ( lymph node cancer ) :- enlarged lymph nodes ; weight loss.



Obviously these symptoms / signs may NOT be due to cancer . That is the difficulty for people BEFORE they decide to visit their doctor - and the doctor to decide WHO to refer for further tests ( too many and the system can’t cope ; too few and the doctor is blamed for " missing a cancer " ).