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Worried about something else?

Non-specific symptoms

Some cancers do not present with typical alarm symptoms but instead with general symptoms, e.g. unexplained weight loss, nausea or fatigue. These symptoms are called ‘non-specific’ because they don’t point to one particular type of cancer.

Non-specific symptoms could be a sign of an underlying problem, especially when they are unusual for you, persistent, worsening, or you have more than one of them.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they are persistent or getting worse, it is important to contact your GP practice.

Your GP practice might request further tests or refer you to a specialist team for assessment or tests, such as a CT scan. While it’s unlikely to be cancer, they can help determine the cause of your symptoms and get you the treatment you need as quickly as possible.

Be the Early Bird and get it checked

If you’re worried about persistent symptoms that are unusual for you, contact your GP practice.

You aren't wasting anyone's time. Your GP practice wants know.

How to talk to your doctor about symptoms? . This link will open in a new window.
Robin Kerr

Robin Kerr, GP and Clinical Lead Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service, NHS Borders

Sometimes, symptoms like unexplained weight loss, increasing fatigue, or vague abdominal discomfort don’t point clearly to one illness. These are what we call non-specific symptoms. While they’re often caused by something other than cancer, they can be early signs of cancer. That’s why we take them seriously and may refer you for further tests - either to give you peace of mind, or to identify cancer early when treatment works best.