DECORATING your Christmas tree is one of the many joys of the festive season.
But if you find the normally-easy task seems much more difficult than previous years, it could be time to see a doctor.
If you struggle while putting your Christmas tree up this year, it might be a sign you need to see your GP
Potential red flags range from breathlessness to pain in your shoulder, and each could be a sign of cancer.
Dr Julie Sharp, head of health and patient involvement at Cancer Research UK, said: “If you notice a change to your health that’s unusual for you or isn’t going away, contact your GP as soon as you can.
“Your doctor is there for you and wants to hear about any concerns.”
Here, we look at six of the most common cancer symptoms that might surface as you deck the halls this December.
1. Dizziness
Feeling lightheaded every now and then is usually nothing to worry about.
So if you notice yourself getting a little dizzy during your Christmas prep, there is likely no need to panic.
But if the sensation persists for more than a couple of days, you should speak to your GP.
While unlikely, dizziness and feeling off-balance can be a sign of blood cancer or a brain tumour.
2. Breathlessness
Feeling breathless frequently, or after tasks usually considered light, is something to watch out for.
It is one of the primary symptoms of lung cancer, or cancer that has spread there from elsewhere in the body.
Contact your GP if you suddenly become breathless, your breathing gets worse, or it is painful to breathe.
If you need urgent help, call 999 or visit your nearest A&E department, CRUK advises.
3. Aches and pains
Stringing fairy lights around the tree or reaching to put the star on the top could result in some light discomfort.
But unexplained or persistent aches and pains can also be a sign of cancer.
The location of these could indicate the type – chest pain for lung cancer, for example – but it may also mean the disease has spread.
This is a sign you need a health screening.
4. Croaky voice
One of the most iconic things about Christmas is the music, and families often blare festive tunes while putting decorations up.
If you find yourself singing along to Mariah Carey‘s classic All I Want for Christmas is You and you sound hoarse, it might be worth making an appointment with your doctor.
Mild croakiness can be caused by a cold, allergies or another type of infection.
But if it persists for more than three weeks, it could be a sign of laryngeal, throat or lung cancer, CRUK says.
5. Fatigue
Doing any kind of physical activity, including housework and adorning ornaments, can be a little tiring.
“But if you’re feeling tired for no clear reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong,” Dr Sharp said.
Extreme fatigue is a common symptom of blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, as well as breast, bowel and prostate cancer.
CRUK estimates almost 65 per cent of people with cancer experience fatigue.
6. Sweating
Winter in the UK is chilly, so layers are vital when heading outside.
But once you enter a warm, cosy building, your body temperature can quickly shoot up, even without the extra clothes.
If this hot feeling, accompanied by excessive sweating, lingers, it could be a symptom to monitor.
Hot flushes – which can vary from a slight feeling of warmth in the face, neck and chest to night sweats that affect your whole body – can sometimes indicate an infection.
It is also a symptom of several types of cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma, mesothelioma, and cancer of the liver and bone.