NHS surgeon warns symptoms of common cancer you should never ignore

An NHS surgeon has issued signs and symptoms to watch for that might indicate you have cancer. In a video shared through the University of Birmingham’s official account, , the medical expert stresses the importance of early detection.

Sudha Sundar, Professor of Gynae Cancer and NHS Consultant Gynaecological Cancer Surgeon, highlighted the increased risk of ovarian cancer as women experience menopause and stressed ‘red flags’ for early ovarian cancer detection. Sundar states in the clip: “Over 300,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year across the globe. We know that 90% of women will survive ovarian cancer if this is diagnosed at an early stage, at stage 1.”

She continues, emphasising prompt action: “So it is really important that women act on their symptoms. If you are an older woman and you’re having bloating, so your tummy feels really full” then this is a key sign.

Adding further details, she says: “If you’re feeling quite full when you eat. If you have lots of pressure symptoms on your bladder so you feel like you want to wee more frequently or open your bowels more frequently or you have tummy pain or tummy discomfort that’s new for you, that is persistent, over a month, then please go see your GP.”

Professor Sundar further says that it is really important you don’t wait around and instead see your doctor ASAP. She says your “GP will be able to do some very simple tests like a blood test or an ultrasound and this may help to find out if there is anything suspicious going on with you.”

To summarise her points, you should visit your GP if:

• You experience bloating
• You’re feeling quite full when you eat
• You feel pressure on your bladder
• You need to pee more
• You need to poo more
• You have tummy pain or tummy discomfort that’s new for you and lasts for over a month

What are the other symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer according to the can include:

• indigestion
• constipation or diarrhoea
• back pain
• feeling tired all the time
• losing weight without trying
• bleeding from the vagina after the menopause

What will happen at my GP appointment?

If there are signs of cancer, you may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital. The NHS notes that “this does not definitely mean you have cancer.” The examination may involve:

• gently putting a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina so they can see inside this area
• pressing on your tummy and inside your vagina, to check for lumps or tender or sore areas

NHS approved ways to get help and support

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website:
• Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040

Marie Curie

Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.

• Website:
• Helpline: 0800 090 2309

Ovacome

Information and support for anyone affected by ovarian cancer.

• Website:
• Helpline: 07503 682 311 or Freephone 0800 008 7054
• Text and WhatsApp: 07503 682 311
• E-mail:

Target Ovarian cancer

Information and support for anyone affected by ovarian cancer.

• Website:
• Helpline: 020 7923 5475
• Email:

Eve Appeal

Information and support for anyone affected by cervical, ovarian, vaginal, vulval and womb cancers.

• Website:

Maggie’s Centres

Practical, emotional and social support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website:
• Helpline: 0300 123 1801

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website:
• Helpline: 0808 808 00 00