The symptoms of cancer vary depending on what part of your body is affected. However, cancer symptoms can be broadly grouped into three categories. These are:

• local symptoms - these occur when the cancer is contained in one part of your body,
• symptoms of metastasis - these are symptoms caused by the cancer beginning to spread to other parts of your body, and
• systemic symptoms - these are symptoms that are caused by the cancer having spread throughout your body.

Common local symptoms include:

• unusual swelling, or lumps,
• pain,
• jaundice, and
• ulcers.

Common metastasis symptoms include:

• swollen glands,
• coughing blood, and
• bone pain.

Common systemic symptoms include:

• weight loss,
• loss of appetite,
• tiredness, and
• night sweats.

Many of the above symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. Therefore, if you have any of the above symptoms, you should not assume that you have cancer. Your doctor will be able to advise you.