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In the UK and globally, a handful of cancers make up the majority of diagnosed cases, meaning that focusing awareness efforts on these specific types provides the highest practical value for staff. Equipping employees with the knowledge to recognize early warning signs can lead to earlier detection and significantly better outcomes. For instance, key signs of breast cancer include the appearance of new lumps, changes in skin texture or dimpling, and any alterations to the nipple. Lung cancer is often signalled by a persistent cough that lasts three or more weeks, coughing up blood, or unexplained breathlessness, while prostate cancer typically manifests as changes in urination, such as needing to go more frequently—especially at night—difficulty starting, or a strained and weak flow. Similarly, being vigilant about digestive and dermatological changes can save lives. Bowel cancer frequently presents as persistent blood in the stool, an unexplained change in bowel habits lasting for several weeks, or sudden weight loss. For skin cancer, particularly melanoma, staff should monitor their skin using the ABCDE rule to identify dangerous changes in existing moles. This rule refers to Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour changes, a Diameter greater than 6mm, and any mole that is Evolving over time. By fostering awareness of these primary symptoms, you can create a proactive workplace culture that prioritises health and well-being. Read a transcript
Did you know:
According to Cancer Research UK, in the UK as a whole:
- Breast cancer is the most common overall, with about 50,000 to 55,000 new cases each year.
- Prostate Cancer is the most common in males, accounting for around 30% of male diagnoses, with about 54,000 new cases registered in the most recent periods.
- Lung Cancer accounts for about 12% of all new cases.
- Bowel Cancer also accounts for about 11 – 12% of all new cases.
Women should self-check for breast cancer
Women should look for the following signs:
- A new, hard, or irregular mass in the breast or underarm (armpit) that does not go away after your period.
- Puckering, dimpling, or a ridged/pitted appearance on the breast skin, similar to an orange peel.
- A recently inverted nipple (pulled inward), changes in nipple direction, or unusual discharge (especially bloody or clear fluid).
- Redness, scaliness, or a rash on the nipple or the breast skin.
- Unexplained changes in the size or contour of one breast compared to the other.
- Localised pain in one spot that does not go away (though most early-stage cancers are painless).
Men should self-check for testicular cancer
Early detection of testicular cancer relies primarily on monthly self-examinations and being alert to physical changes. Because testicular cancer has an exceptionally high survival rate when caught early, knowing what is normal and consulting a physician immediately if you notice any changes is vital.
- The best time to do this is during or right after a warm bath or shower, as the steam relaxes the scrotal skin and makes the testicles easier to feel.
- Hold your penis out of the way. Gently roll each testicle between the thumb and fingers of both hands, feeling the entire surface.
- Look for hard lumps, smooth or rounded masses, sudden swelling, an increase in firmness, or a noticeable difference in size or weight.
While one testicle being slightly larger or hanging lower than the other is normal, you should look out for these specific changes:
- A painless lump or swelling in one testicle.
- A feeling of heaviness or a dull ache in the scrotum, lower abdomen, or groin.
- A sudden build-up of fluid in the scrotum.
The Skin Cancer ABCDE Test
This simple guide will help you spot early signs of skin cancer, and help you decide if you need to get checked out:
A – Asymmetry: One half of a spot or mole does not match the other half in shape or colour.
B – Border: The edges are irregular, scalloped, notched, or poorly defined.
C – Colour: The colour is not consistent throughout. It may include different shades of brown or black, or patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
D – Diameter: The lesion is larger than 6 mm (about the size of a standard pencil eraser), though melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
E – Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or colour over time. It may also begin to itch, hurt, crust over, or bleed.
And finally…
Know your family history. Many cancers have a genetic component. If you have family members who have been diagnosed with a type of cancer, be extra vigilant for signs of that cancer.
