The 6 sneaky cancer symptoms you might notice while decorating your Christmas tree
DECORATING your Christmas tree is one of the many joys of the festive season.
But if you find the normally-easy task seems much more difficult than previous years, it could be time to see a doctor.
Potential red flags range from breathlessness to pain in your shoulder, and each could be a sign of cancer.
Dr Julie Sharp, head of health and patient involvement at Cancer Research UK, said: "If you notice a change to your health that’s unusual for you or isn’t going away, contact your GP as soon as you can.
"Your doctor is there for you and wants to hear about any concerns."
Here, we look at six of the most common cancer symptoms that might surface as you deck the halls this December.
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1. Dizziness
Feeling lightheaded every now and then is usually nothing to worry about.
So if you notice yourself getting a little dizzy during your Christmas prep, there is likely no need to panic.
But if the sensation persists for more than a couple of days, you should speak to your GP.
While unlikely, dizziness and feeling off-balance can be a sign of blood cancer or a brain tumour.
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2. Breathlessness
Feeling breathless frequently, or after tasks usually considered light, is something else to watch out for.
It is one of the primary symptoms of lung cancer, or cancer that has spread there from elsewhere in the body.
Contact your GP if you suddenly become breathless, your breathing gets worse, or it is painful to breathe.
If you need urgent help, call 999 or visit your nearest A&E department, CRUK advises.
3. Aches and pains
Stringing fairy lights around the tree or reaching to put the star on the top could result in some light discomfort.
But unexplained or persistent aches and pains can also be a sign of cancer.
The location of these could indicate the type - chest pain for lung cancer, for example - but it may also mean the disease has spread.
This is a sign you need a health screening.
4. Croaky voice
One of the most iconic things about Christmas is the music, and families often blare festive tunes while putting decorations up.
If you find yourself singing along to Mariah Carey's classic All I Want for Christmas is You and you sound hoarse, it might be worth making an appointment with your doctor.
Mild croakiness can be caused by a cold, allergies or another type of infection.
But if it persists for more than three weeks, it could be a sign of laryngeal, throat or lung cancer, CRUK says.
5. Fatigue
Doing any kind of physical activity, including housework and adorning ornaments, can be a little tiring.
"But if you’re feeling tired for no clear reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong," Dr Sharp said.
Extreme fatigue is a common symptom of blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as breast, bowel and prostate cancer.
CRUK estimates almost 65 per cent of people with cancer experience fatigue.
6. Sweating
Winter in the UK is chilly, so layers are vital when heading outside.
But once you enter a warm, cosy building, your body temperature can quickly shoot up, even without the extra clothes.
If this hot feeling, accompanied by excessive sweating, lingers, it could be a symptom to monitor.
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Hot flushes - which can vary from a slight feeling of warmth in the face, neck and chest to night sweats that affect your whole body - can sometimes indicate an infection.
It is also a symptom of several types of cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma, mesothelioma, and cancer of the liver and bone.
General signs and symptoms of cancer to look out for
It's important to be aware of any new or worrying symptoms.
While it's unlikely to be cancer, it's important to get symptoms checked out by your doctor. Finding cancer early means it's easier to treat.
If you experience the following symptoms, speak to your GP.
Coughing, chest pain and breathlessness
If you experience a cough for three weeks or more. Shortness of breath or chest pain can also be signs of pneumonia.
Changes in bowel habits
If you notice changes in your usual bowel habits that last three weeks or more.
Changes include:
- Tummy discomfort
- Blood in your poo
- Diarrhoea or constipation for no obvious reason
- A feeling of not having fully emptied your bowels after going to the toilet
- Pain in your stomach or bottom (anus)
- Your poo is loose, pale or looks greasy
Bloating
If you've had bloating for three weeks or more.
Bleeding
If you experience unexplained bleeding such as:
- Blood in urine
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Vaginal bleeding a year or more after the menopause
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Blood when you cough
- Blood in your vomit
Lumps
If you notice a lump in your breast or if you have a lump that's noticeable increasing in size somewhere else on your body.
Moles
If you have a mole that:
- Changes shape or looks uneven
- Changes colour, gets darker or has more than two colours
- Starts itching, crusting, flaking or bleeding
- Gets larger or more raised from the skin
Unexplained weight loss
If you've lost weight over the last couple of months that cannot be explained by changes to your diet, exercise or stress.
Tummy or back pain
If you have pain anywhere in your tummy or back and you're not sure what's causing it.
Indigestion and heartburn
If you experience indigestion, heartburn or acid reflux regularly and you're not sure why.
Itchy or yellow skin
If the skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow - this could indicate jaundice. Also, if your pee looks darker than usual.
Feeling tired and unwell
If you think something isn't right or you keep feeling tired or unwell and you're not sure why.
Source: NHS