World Cancer Day held every 4 February is the global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). By raising worldwide awareness, improving education and catalysing personal, collective and government action, we are all working together to reimagine a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equitable for all – no matter who you are or where you live. Created in 2000, World Cancer Day has grown into a positive movement for everyone, everywhere to unite under one voice to face one of our greatest challenges in history. While we live in a time of awe-inspiring advancements in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, many of us who seek cancer care hit barriers at every turn. Income, education, geographical location and discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability and lifestyle are just a few of the factors that can negatively affect care. This year’s World Cancer Day’s theme, “Close the Care Gap”, is all about making sure our leaders know that we demand a commitment to prioritising cancer, to creating innovative strategies designed to confront inequity and to investing our resources to achieve a just and cancer-free world. With so many different types of cancers, the symptoms are varied and depend on where the disease is located. However, there are some key signs and symptoms to look out for, including:

• Unusual lumps or swelling – cancerous lumps are often painless and may increase in size as the cancer progresses.
• Coughing, breathlessness, or difficulty swallowing – be aware of persistent coughing episodes, breathlessness or difficulty swallowing.
• Changes in bowel habit – such as constipation and diarrhoea and/or blood found in the stools.
• Unexpected bleeding – includes bleeding from the vagina, anal passage, or blood found in stools, in urine or when coughing.
• Unexplained weight loss – a large amount of unexplained and unintentional weight loss over a short period of time (a couple of months)
• Fatigue – which shows itself as extreme tiredness and a severe lack of energy. If fatigue is due to cancer, individuals normally also have other symptoms.
• Pain or ache – includes unexplained or ongoing pain, or pain that comes and goes.
• New mole or changes to a mole – look for changes in size, shape, or colour and if it becomes crusty or bleeds or oozes.
• Complications with urinating – includes needing to urinate urgently, more frequently, or being unable to go when you need to or experiencing pain while urinating.
• Unusual breast changes – look for changes in size, shape or feel, skin changes and pain.
• Heartburn or indigestion – persistent or painful heartburn or indigestion
• Heavy night sweats – be aware of very heavy, drenching night sweats. If you have any concerns regarding your health, please speak to your GP or consult the NHS website.