Navigate your way to view symptoms of the most common cancers
This interactive body map shows symptoms of some of the most common cancers that can develop in different parts of the body. Click on an icon or a body part to see the symptoms.
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Brain cancer
- severe headaches
- weakness on one side of the body
- seizures
- disturbed vision or speech
For more information go to brain-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au
Leukaemia
- unexplained weight loss or tiredness
- night sweats
- pain in the bones or joints
- enlarged lymph nodes
For more information go to leukaemia.canceraustralia.gov.au
Breast cancer
- a new lump or lumpiness
- a change in the size or shape of the breast
- a change to the nipple, such as redness, crusting or discharge that occurs without squeezing
- persistent unexplained breast pain
For more information go to breast-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au
Breast cancer
- a new lump or lumpiness
- a change in the size or shape of the breast
- a change to the nipple, such as redness, crusting or discharge that occurs without squeezing
- persistent unexplained pain
For more information go to breast-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au
Head and neck cancer
- unexplained pain in the mouth, upper teeth, throat, neck, face, ear or chin
- a lump or sore that does not go away
- difficulty or pain when swallowing or chewing
- coughing up blood, or a cough that doesn’t go away
- bleeding in the mouth or through the nose
For more information go to head-neck-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au
Melanoma of the skin
- a changing or new mole
- itching, bleeding, swelling or pain in a mole
For more information go to melanoma.canceraustralia.gov.au
Pancreatic cancer
- jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- pain in the abdomen or back
- unexplained weight loss or tiredness
For more information go to pancreatic-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au
Lung cancer
- coughing up blood
- a new or changed cough that doesn’t go away
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- hoarseness
- chest infection that doesn’t go away
- unexplained weight loss or tiredness
For more information go to lung-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au
Oesophageal cancer
- difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- persistent heartburn or reflux
- discomfort in the upper abdomen
- unexplained weight loss or tiredness
For more information go to oesophageal-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au
Thyroid cancer
- a lump or swelling in the neck or throat
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- difficulty swallowing
- a hoarse voice that doesn’t go away
- enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
For more information go to thyroid-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au
Kidney cancer
- blood in the urine
- low back pain on one side
- a lump in the abdomen, side or lower back
- unexplained weight loss or tiredness
For more information go to kidney-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au
Ovarian cancer
- pain or swelling in the abdomen or pelvis
- loss of appetite
- a change in bowel or bladder habits
- unexplained weight loss, weight gain or tiredness
For more information go to ovarian-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au
Endometrial cancer
(endometrium is the lining of the womb)
- unexplained vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after menopause
- unusual vaginal discharge
- pain in the abdomen
- a change in bladder habit
For more information go to endometrial-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au
Lymphoma
- painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin or underarm
- unexplained weight loss or tiredness
- fever
- night sweats
For more information go to lymphoma.canceraustralia.gov.au
Liver cancer
- pain in the upper right side of the abdomen or the back
- a lump in the right side of the abdomen
- jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- loss of appetite and/or nausea
- unexplained weight loss or tiredness
For more information go to liver-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au
Bowel cancer
(also known as colorectal cancer)
- a change in bowel habit, including bleeding
- abdominal pain, cramping or bloating
- unexplained weight loss or tiredness
For more information go to bowel-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au
Prostate cancer
- a change in bladder habit, including pain when urinating, weak flow or blood in urine
- persistent unexplained pain in the back, hips, pelvis or chest
- unexplained tiredness
For more information go to prostate-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au
Testicular cancer
- a painless lump or swelling in either testicle
- a change in how the testicle feels
- persistent unexplained pain in the lower abdomen or groin
- pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum.
For more information go to testicular-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au
While cancer is generally more common as we get older, you can develop cancer at any age. It’s really important, even during a pandemic, not to put off contacting your doctor if you have a new symptom such as a lump, or a change in your body that hasn't gone away.
Get to know your body and know the symptoms to look out for. Most symptoms are due to something less serious than cancer, but if it is cancer, the earlier it is found, the better.
There are a number of ways you can consult with your health professional. In addition to an initial phone discussion, new telehealth methods are now being widely used as well as in-person appointments.
Your doctor is there to look after your health as usual. Contact them to arrange an appointment.
Cancer screening can help protect your health through early detection, even if you don’t have any symptoms of the disease. Simple screening tests look for particular changes and early signs of cancer before it has developed or before any symptoms emerge. Visit http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au for more information.
View Cancer Australia’s Cancer Won’t Wait video.