The NHS’ top cancer doctor has urged the public to be vigilant for subtle changes in their body which could be red-flag signs of cancer.

Unexpected bruising, persistent bloating, night sweats and bleeding after sex could all be signs of something more serious, the NHS revealed in a new comprehensive list published last week.

Breathlessness, long-lasting tummy-trouble including heartburn and indigestion, and unexplained weight loss were also mentioned.

National NHS cancer director Professor Peter Johnson said it was vital to get new symptoms checked promptly. 

He said: ‘It is so important to know what is normal for you, although we all find a host of other things to think about rather than checking for any changes in our bodies.

‘That’s why I want to encourage everyone to make it a part of your routine—finding a way that works for you might just save your life.’

The NHS advises people to contact their GP if they experience any new lumps or moles that starts to itch, crust, flake or bleed to help identify potential signs of cancer. 

This call to action comes as data released today found people are nearly twice as likely to check their bank balance regularly than check their bodies for potentially life-threating cancer signs.

Bowel cancer can cause you to have blood in your poo, a change in bowel habit, or a lump inside your bowel which can cause an obstructions. Some people also suffer with weight loss as a result of these symptoms

Low energy, inexplicable weight loss, persistent indigestion, difficulty swallowing, feeling sick and a lump at the top of your tummy are all warning signs and symptoms of stomach cancer

Appearing bloated is a common sign of ovarian cancer. But having no appetite, needing to wee more and back pain are also signs to look out for

‘If you do spot something worrying, get in touch with your GP surgery, who can investigate for you. 

‘It’s unlikely to be cancer, but if there is something wrong, the earlier it is found, the better the chance of treatment being successful,’ Professor Johnson added.

The survey, of 2,000 Britons, found that less than 40 per cent of people look for changes to their bodies at least once every three weeks—despite doctors routinely warning that treating cases early is the key to survival.

The NHS also found that an alarming number of people fail to recognise the key warning signs of cancer, despite 78 percent of people saying they are confident they could recognise a change in their body.

Heartburn and indigestion were among the least recognised signs of cancer, with eight in 10 people failing to identify persistent heartburn as a red-flag sign.

Over 50 per cent of people did not flag blood in the urine as a potential cancer symptom and more than four in 10 people failed to recognise the dangers of an unexplained lump.

This urgent appeal comes after figures released earlier this year suggest the number of people living with cancer in the UK will hit a record high of 3.4 million in 2025.

Last month, however, the NHS were able to give the all clear or a definitive diagnoses to more than 80 per cent of patients who identified the warning signs early. 

Signs of skin cancer range from innocuous to obvious, but experts warn that treating cases early is key to making sure they do not spread or further develop

Symptoms of breast cancer to look out for include lumps and swellings, dimpling of the skin, changes in colour, discharge and a rash or crusting around the nipple

This is the highest proportion on record. 

Rob McPherson, an amateur football player and cancer survivor from Manchester, said: ‘As a bowel cancer survivor, I would encourage everyone to contact your GP if you notice any unusual changes to your body—for me, it was having persistent stomach troubles for well over three weeks. 

‘My story shows that cancer can affect anyone no matter how active you are, and you should never put off getting checked if you feel that something isn’t right. 

‘Thanks to the brilliant care I received from the NHS, I am now cancer-free and able to do the things I love like playing football and spending time with my partner, family, and friends. 

‘Remember, you know your body best, so pay attention to any warning signs and get checked as soon as possible if you’re concerned’ he added. 

Yet, data analysed by cancer support charity MacMillan shows around half a million more people will be living with cancer by December than they were five years ago.

The charity’s national clinical adviser Owen Carter said: ‘Getting signs and symptoms checked by a GP is crucial if you may be concerned about changes in your body.

‘It is important to remember that symptoms do not always mean you have cancer, but it’s good to get them checked out.

‘We know that the earlier cancer is detected and treated, the better the outcomes are’ he added.