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ABCD of Cancer – know the signs and act early

Learn the signs and symptoms of common cancers using the ABCD of Cancer campaign and find out when to contact your GP in Essex.

Know your body and act early

It is important to be aware of any unexplained changes in your body or symptoms that are unusual for you. In most cases, these symptoms will not be cancer. However, it is always best to contact your GP so they can assess your symptoms and provide reassurance or further investigation if needed.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the UK. Around one in two people born after 1960 will develop cancer during their lifetime. Although cancer becomes more common with age, early diagnosis greatly improves treatment outcomes and survival.

The ABCD of Cancer campaign across Essex helps people recognise warning signs and take action early. If something does not feel right for you, contact your GP. Do not wait.

Why early diagnosis matters

Early diagnosis improves outcomes and increases treatment options.

For example:

  • Two in five cancer cases in the UK are preventable
  • Treatment is often more successful when cancer is found early
  • Screening programmes can detect some cancers before symptoms appear
  • Early assessment may provide reassurance or allow prompt treatment

Attending screening appointments when invited is one of the most effective ways to detect cancer early.

Learn more about NHS cancer screening programmes in Essex

Know the symptoms – the ABCD of Cancer

The ABCD of Cancer campaign provides a simple and memorable way to recognise possible warning signs across several common cancers.

The campaign includes information about:

  • Breast cancer
  • Bowel cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Kidney and bladder cancer
  • Gynaecological cancers, including cervical and ovarian cancer
  • Prostate and testicular cancer
  • Skin cancer

Most symptoms will not be cancer. However, if you notice anything unusual for you or symptoms that do not go away, contact your GP.

Below, local healthcare professionals explain the ABCD signs and symptoms for each cancer type.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer treatment is often more successful when detected early.

In this video, Dr Riya Amin explains the ABCD signs and symptoms of breast cancer and what to look out for.

If you notice changes in your breasts, contact your GP promptly.

Learn more about breast awareness Find out about breast screening

Bladder and kidney cancer

Blood in your urine is the most common symptom of bladder or kidney cancer.

Dr Andrea Oustayiannis explains the ABCD symptoms and what to look out for in this video.

Blood in your urine may have other causes, such as infection or kidney stones. However, a GP should always assess this symptom.

Bowel cancer

Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes for bowel cancer.

In this video, Dr Deepak Kumar explains the ABCD symptoms and when to seek medical advice.

If you are eligible, attend bowel cancer screening when invited.

Learn more about bowel awareness

Gynaecological cancers

Gynaecological cancers include cervical and ovarian cancer.

Liza Benson, Lead Practice Nurse, explains the ABCD symptoms and warning signs in this video.

Cervical cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages. Therefore, it is important to attend cervical screening when invited.

Lung cancer

Early diagnosis greatly improves lung cancer outcomes.

Clinical Pharmacist Michael Thomas explains the ABCD symptoms and warning signs in this video.

Contact your GP if you experience symptoms such as:

  • A persistent cough
  • Breathlessness
  • Chest pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
Learn more about lung cancer signs Find out about lung cancer screening

Prostate and testicular cancer

Early assessment improves outcomes for prostate and testicular cancer.

Dr Mark Metcalfe explains the ABCD symptoms and when to seek medical advice.

If you notice symptoms such as lumps, swelling, or changes, contact your GP promptly.

You can also read our blog about how to check your testicles with GP Dr Deepak Kumar.

Testicular self-check guide

Skin cancer

Skin cancer treatment is most effective when detected early.

In this video, Dr Simren Kumar explains the ABCD symptoms and warning signs.

Contact your GP if you notice:

  • Changes in the size, shape, or colour of a mole
  • A new or unusual skin lesion
  • A sore that does not heal

Frequently asked questions about cancer symptoms and referrals

Contact your GP if you notice symptoms such as:

  • A lump that does not go away
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent pain
  • Blood where it should not be
  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits
  • Changes in moles or skin
  • A persistent cough

Most symptoms will not be cancer. However, early assessment provides reassurance or allows treatment to begin sooner if needed.

If your GP suspects cancer, they may refer you for urgent tests. This is called an urgent suspected cancer referral or two-week wait referral.

This pathway ensures specialists assess you quickly.

No. Most people referred urgently do not have cancer. However, early investigation helps rule out serious conditions quickly.

No. Screening is for people without symptoms. If you notice symptoms, contact your GP as soon as possible.

Yes. GPs would always prefer to assess symptoms early. You are not wasting anyone’s time by getting checked.

No. Many cancers do not cause pain in the early stages. Therefore, it is important to notice changes such as lumps, bleeding, or persistent symptoms.

Although cancer is more common in older adults, younger people can develop cancer. Contact your GP if you notice persistent or unusual symptoms at any age.