They could be innocent but, if not, getting diagnosed and treated early can make a big difference
1 Hoarse voice
A hoarse voice is usually triggered by voice strain, laryngitis, a cold or cough, or is symptomatic of acid reflux or benign vocal cord nodules. However, it can indicate laryngeal, throat or stomach cancer.
If after three weeks you’re still hoarse, have a sore throat, lump, or problems swallowing, see your GP.
2 Frequent infections
These may signify blood cancer (such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma).
‘As many people with blood cancer have low levels of white blood cells, which fight infections, they may get persistent, recurrent or severe infections,’ says Gemma Trout, specialist nurse at Blood Cancer UK*.
3 Night sweats
The British Menopause Society found around 70% of menopausal women get these but, occasionally, night sweats can also suggest blood cancer.
‘Some people with lymphoma have drenching night sweats, but we don’t know what causes this,’ says Gemma. However, it’s more likely to be caused by anxiety, infection, menopause, thyroid issues, or medication.
4 Pelvic pain
More often than not, this is down to an infection or period cramps, but it may signal gynaecological cancers.
‘If you have bloating or pelvic pain that doesn’t go away, period pains that have become worse, changes to your bowel habits, pain during sex, new vaginal bleeding or discharge, or blood in your urine or stools, see your GP,’ say
