The most common warning signs of cancer in women are: a new lump or change in the breast, abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sex or after the menopause), bloating, a swollen tummy or pelvic pain that is there almost every day, blood in the stool or a lasting change in bowel habit, a cough that does not go away, and unexplained weight loss or tiredness [1, 3, 4, 13]. Most of the time these symptoms have a simpler cause; but if a symptom is new for you and has lasted more than 2 weeks, see a doctor, and always have bleeding after the menopause checked promptly [1, 3]. Cancer often causes no pain at first, so do not wait for pain [1].
Key points
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide: about 1 in every 4 cancers found in women is breast cancer. It is followed by cancers of the lung, bowel (colon and rectum), thyroid and cervix [2].
- Any bleeding or spotting after the menopause should be checked: about 9 in 10 women with womb cancer had this symptom; but of every 10 women who have this bleeding, only about 1 has cancer [6].
- Bloating or a swollen tummy that is new and happens more than 12 times a month, especially after the age of 50, is worth having checked [4].
- Having no pain does not mean nothing is wrong; cancer often causes no pain at first [1].
- Screening tests (mammograms, HPV tests or smear tests, and stool tests) find some cancers before there are any symptoms [9, 10, 11].
Signs of cancer in women at a glance
| Symptom | Which cancer it may point to | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, with or without pain | Breast cancer [1, 4] | See a doctor; do not wait for it to go away |
| A nipple that has newly turned inwards, discharge from one nipple, or redness, scaling or dimpling of the breast skin | Breast cancer [1, 4] | See a doctor |
| Bleeding between periods or after sex, or periods much heavier or longer than usual | Cervical or womb cancer [3, 13] | See a doctor soon [3] |
| Any bleeding or spotting after the menopause, even once | Womb (endometrial) cancer [3, 6] | See a doctor soon [3, 4] |
| Unusual vaginal discharge (watery, bloody or foul-smelling) | Cervical or womb cancer [3, 13] | If it is new and unusual for you, see a doctor |
| Bloating or a swollen tummy, feeling full quickly, tummy or pelvic pain, or needing to pass urine urgently or often, almost every day | Ovarian cancer [3, 4] | If it happens more than 12 times a month, see a doctor; a CA-125 blood test and an ultrasound scan are usually needed [4] |
| Itching, burning, a sore, a lump or a change in skin colour around the outside of the genitals | Vulval cancer [3, 4] | If it does not heal, see a doctor |
| Blood in the stool, new diarrhoea or constipation that has lasted several weeks, or iron-deficiency anaemia | Bowel (colorectal) cancer [1, 4] | See a doctor; a stool test or a colonoscopy is usually needed [4] |
| A cough that does not go away, coughing up blood, breathlessness or chest pain | Lung cancer [1, 4] | See a doctor; after the age of 40, have coughing up blood checked promptly [4] |
| An unexplained lump at the front of the neck | Thyroid cancer [4] | See a doctor |
| Severe, lasting tiredness, looking pale, fever or one infection after another, unexplained bruising or bleeding | Blood cancer (leukaemia) [4] | A full blood count (CBC) test [4] |
| A new mole, or a mole that has changed in size, shape or colour, or a sore that does not heal | Skin cancer [1, 4] | See a doctor |
| Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite, or a swelling or lump in the neck, armpit or groin | Several types of cancer [1, 4] | See a doctor so the cause can be found |
This table does not replace an examination by a doctor; in most people these symptoms have another cause, such as an infection or a benign (non-cancerous) growth [1].
Breast changes: when should I worry?
The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit. Changes in the nipple (newly turning inwards, or discharge) and changes in the breast skin (redness, scaling or dimpling) are also signs [1].
Most breast lumps are not cancer. In a large study in the UK, about 1 in 20 women aged 40 to 49 who saw their doctor with a breast lump had cancer; the proportion rose with age and, after 70, reached about half [7]. Symptoms other than a lump, such as breast pain on its own, were less often a sign of cancer [7]. Even so, show any new lump to a doctor, even if it does not hurt [4].
Read more: symptoms of breast cancer, I have found a lump in my breast; what should I do? and does breast cancer hurt?
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge is a symptom shared by all gynaecological cancers except vulval cancer [3]. Bleeding is abnormal when [3, 13]:
- it happens between periods or after sex
- it is much heavier or longer than usual
- it happens after the menopause, even if it is only a spot
If you have bleeding like this, see a doctor soon [3]. About 9 in 10 women with womb cancer have bleeding after the menopause, so having this bleeding checked is a good chance to find the cancer early [6]. Read more: symptoms of womb cancer and symptoms of cervical cancer.
Persistent bloating: could it be ovarian cancer?
Most of the time, bloating has a cause other than cancer [1, 3]. In ovarian cancer, however, the symptoms are usually new and come back almost every day [4]:
- lasting bloating or a swollen tummy
- feeling full quickly or losing your appetite
- tummy or pelvic pain
- needing to pass urine urgently or often
If these symptoms happen more than 12 times a month, especially if you are 50 or older, see a doctor [4]. Symptoms like those of irritable bowel syndrome that start for the first time after the age of 50 should also be checked for ovarian cancer [4].
In a study in England, more than 8 in 10 women with ovarian cancer had told their doctor about at least one symptom such as a swollen tummy, bloating, tummy pain, loss of appetite or passing urine more often before they were diagnosed; sometimes months earlier [5]. Read more: symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Colon cancer symptoms in women
Bowel (colorectal) cancer is the third most common cancer in women worldwide [2], and guidelines list the same symptoms for women and men [1, 4]:
- blood in the stool
- a change in bowel habit that has lasted several weeks: diarrhoea, constipation or both
- tummy pain with unexplained weight loss
- iron-deficiency anaemia
If you have iron-deficiency anaemia and the cause is not clear, ask your doctor whether you need a stool test or a colonoscopy; the UK national guideline recommends a stool test for adults with iron-deficiency anaemia [4]. Bowel screening for people at average risk starts at 45 [11]. Read more: symptoms of bowel cancer and bowel cancer in young adults.
Early signs of lung cancer in women
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide [2]. Guidelines list the same symptoms for women and men [4]: a cough that does not go away or gets worse, coughing up blood, breathlessness, chest pain, tiredness, and loss of weight or appetite.
Among people who have never smoked, lung cancer is seen more often in women [8]; so not being a smoker is no reason to ignore a cough that has lasted for weeks. If you are 40 or over, the UK national guideline recommends a fast-track referral to check for lung cancer if you are coughing up blood, and an urgent chest X-ray if you have two symptoms from this list, or even one if you have ever smoked [4]. Read more: symptoms of lung cancer.
Blood cancer symptoms in women
Guidelines list the same signs of blood cancer (leukaemia) for women and men [4]: looking pale, lasting tiredness, unexplained fever, one infection after another, unexplained bruising or bleeding, tiny red spots under the skin, and swollen lymph nodes in several parts of the body. The simplest first step is a full blood count (CBC) test [4]. Read more: symptoms of leukaemia and symptoms of lymphoma.
When should I contact a doctor?
Most of these symptoms have a simple cause, but in the following cases do not wait; see a doctor within the next few days:
- any bleeding or spotting after the menopause, even once [3, 4]
- bleeding after sex or between periods [3, 13]
- a new lump in the breast or armpit, a nipple that has newly turned inwards, or discharge from one nipple [4]
- bloating, a swollen tummy, pelvic pain or feeling full quickly that is there almost every day [4]
- blood in the stool, or diarrhoea or constipation that has lasted several weeks [1, 4]
- coughing up blood, or a cough that has lasted several weeks [1, 4]
- unexplained weight loss [4]
Any other symptom that is new and unusual for you and has lasted more than 2 weeks should also be checked [3].
Heavy bleeding from the vagina or back passage, coughing up a lot of blood, sudden breathlessness or sudden severe tummy pain need urgent care; call your local emergency number.
Cancer screening for women by age
| Age | Test | How often |
|---|---|---|
| 21 to 29 | Smear test (Pap test; cervical cancer) | Every 3 years [10] |
| 30 to 65 | HPV test on its own or with a smear test; or a smear test on its own (cervical cancer) | HPV test every 5 years; smear test on its own every 3 years [10] |
| 40 to 74 | Mammogram (breast cancer) | Every 2 years [9] |
| 45 to 75 | Stool test (FIT) or colonoscopy (bowel cancer) | Stool test every year; colonoscopy every 10 years [11] |
| 50 to 80, with a heavy smoking history | Low-dose CT scan of the chest (lung cancer) | Every year [12] |
A heavy smoking history means at least 20 pack-years (for example, a pack a day for 20 years), and that you still smoke or quit less than 15 years ago [12]. If you have a family history of cancer or an inherited gene change, your screening may start earlier. Screening programmes differ between countries; ask your doctor about the one where you live.
To work out your own plan, use the screening tool. Read more: at what age should I start mammograms?, at what age is a screening colonoscopy needed?, how often do I need a smear test? and the HPV vaccine.
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of cancer in women?
Many cancers cause no symptoms at first; this is why screening matters [9, 10, 11]. The signs women should watch for most are: a new breast lump, abnormal vaginal bleeding, bloating or tummy pain that comes back every day and blood in the stool or a change in bowel habit [1, 3, 4]. Tell a doctor about any symptom that is new and has lasted more than 2 weeks [3]. Read more: what are the signs of cancer?
Are blood cancer symptoms different in women and men?
Generally, no. Guidelines list the same signs for women and men: lasting tiredness, looking pale, fever or one infection after another, and unexplained bruising or bleeding [4]. If your periods have suddenly become much heavier than usual, tell your doctor about that too [3]. The first step is a simple blood test (CBC) [4].
I have bloating and pain low in my tummy; does that mean I have ovarian cancer?
Most of the time, no; these symptoms can have other causes, and the only way to know is to be examined by a doctor [3]. If the symptoms are new, come back almost every day, or come with feeling full quickly and passing urine more often, see a doctor; an examination, a CA-125 blood test and an ultrasound scan are usually needed [4]. Read more: symptoms of ovarian cancer and what does a high CA-125 mean?
Is nipple discharge a sign of cancer?
Most of the time, no; in a large study, breast symptoms other than a lump were less often a sign of cancer [7]. But show a doctor any discharge that comes from only one nipple; the UK national guideline refers women aged 50 and over who have discharge, a nipple turning inwards or another change in one nipple only to be checked for breast cancer [4].
My periods have become irregular; is that a sign of cancer?
What are the signs of cancer in women after the menopause?
After the menopause, take these three seriously: any vaginal bleeding or spotting, which about 9 in 10 women with womb cancer have [6]; a breast lump, which is more likely to be cancer in older women [7]; and bloating or new symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome that have started after the age of 50 [4].
I am under 30 and can feel a lump in my breast; should I see a doctor?
Yes, show the lump to a doctor. For women under 30 with an unexplained breast lump, the UK national guideline suggests a non-urgent referral to a specialist, and from the age of 30, a fast-track referral to check for cancer [4]. Read more: I have found a lump in my breast; what should I do?
What are the signs of cancer in men?
Some symptoms, such as blood in the stool, a lasting cough, a lump anywhere in the body and unexplained weight loss, are shared by women and men [1]. See the symptoms specific to men on signs of cancer in men.
Referral criteria and predictive value of symptoms in women (for doctors)
For physicians
NICE NG12 (last updated 15 April 2026). Breast: suspected cancer pathway referral at 30 and over with an unexplained breast lump (with or without pain), or at 50 and over with discharge, retraction or other changes of concern in one nipple only; under 30, consider non-urgent referral (recommendations 1.4.1 to 1.4.3). Ovary: persistent or frequent symptoms (particularly more than 12 times per month, and especially at 50 and over) of abdominal distension, early satiety or loss of appetite, pelvic or abdominal pain, and urinary urgency or frequency, and new IBS-type symptoms at 50 and over; at 40 and over measure CA125 and arrange an urgent direct-access abdominal and pelvic ultrasound according to the 2026 age-specific thresholds (40 to 49 years ≥35, 50 to 59 ≥31, 60 to 69 ≥24, 70 to 79 ≥25 and 80 and over ≥31 IU/ml); at 39 and under, do not use CA125 in isolation for decision making and consider an urgent ultrasound (1.5.2 to 1.5.9). Endometrium: unexplained post-menopausal bleeding not attributable to HRT at 55 and over, suspected cancer pathway referral; under 55, consider it (1.5.12 and 1.5.14). Cervix: appearance on examination consistent with cervical cancer; vulva: unexplained lump, ulceration or bleeding (1.5.16 and 1.5.17). Colorectal: quantitative FIT for a change in bowel habit, iron-deficiency anaemia or an abdominal mass; at 40 and over with weight loss and abdominal pain; under 50 with rectal bleeding plus abdominal pain or weight loss; at 50 and over with any of rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or weight loss; and at 60 and over with anaemia even without iron deficiency; refer with FIT ≥10 micrograms of haemoglobin per gram of faeces (1.3.1 and 1.3.2). Lung: unexplained haemoptysis at 40 and over, refer; urgent CXR at 40 and over with two unexplained symptoms, or one in anyone who has ever smoked (cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss, appetite loss) (1.1.1 and 1.1.2). Leukaemia: consider a very urgent FBC for pallor, persistent fatigue, unexplained fever or persistent or recurrent infection, generalised lymphadenopathy, unexplained bruising, bleeding or petechiae, and hepatosplenomegaly (1.10.1). Unexplained weight loss of more than 5% within 6 months at 60 and over: urgent investigation or referral (1.13.2) [4].
Predictive value of symptoms in primary care. Breast (CPRD; 3994 cases aged 40 and over and 16,873 controls): OR 110 for a breast lump, 26 for nipple retraction, 19 for nipple discharge and 4.2 for breast pain; the PPV of a lump rose from 4.8% at 40 to 49 years to 48% above 70, and was lower when breast pain was also reported [7]. Ovary (212 cases over 40 and 1060 controls): PPV 2.5% for abdominal distension (OR 240), 0.5% for post-menopausal bleeding, 0.6% for loss of appetite, 0.3% for abdominal pain and 0.3% for bloating; 85% of cases vs 15% of controls had reported at least one of the seven features before diagnosis, and abdominal distension, urinary frequency and abdominal pain remained independently associated after excluding the 180 days before diagnosis [5]. Endometrium (meta-analysis of 129 studies, 40,790 women): prevalence of post-menopausal bleeding in endometrial cancer 91% (95% CI 87 to 93) and risk of endometrial cancer with post-menopausal bleeding 9% (8 to 11), ranging from 7% to 12% by hormone therapy use [6].
Lung cancer in never-smokers occurs preferentially in women and Asian populations and was estimated to be the fifth most common cause of cancer death worldwide in 2023 [8]; a negative smoking history should not delay assessment of persistent respiratory symptoms.
Scientific evidence
Scientific evidence
4 itemsScreening for Breast Cancer
Screening for Cervical Cancer
Screening for Colorectal Cancer
Screening for Lung Cancer
Related cancer types
Related questions
References
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Numbers in the text, such as [1], refer to these sources. Sources with a “Study card” button are summarised in the site’s evidence library.
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- 12Screening for Lung Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement
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