8 potential cancer symptoms that could be mistaken for ageing
8 potential cancer symptoms that could be mistaken for ageing
Strictly’s Alex Kingston is encouraging others to get anything unusual checked, after initially putting signs of uterine cancer down to ageing.
(Dave Benett via Getty Images)
Strictly star Alex Kingston says she initially thought signs of uterine cancer were “just part and parcel of getting older” and is now encouraging others to get checked “if their body is behaving in a slightly unusual way”.
Talking to Prima magazine, the 62-year-old Dr Who and ER actor, said that before her diagnosis, she “wasn’t reading the signs” her body was giving her.
Kingston underwent a hysterectomy and radiation therapy after being diagnosed with uterine cancer – sometimes known as womb cancer. She finished treatment in late 2024.
“I thought that all the things, such as the bloating and weight gain, or injuries not healing properly, were because of my age. I thought, ‘This is what it’s like to be in your 60s, and it’s just part and parcel of getting older’,” she said.
“It was only when I was doing a play, and I started haemorrhaging on stage, that I realised, ‘Oh there’s something going on’.”
(Prima UK / David Venni)
Kingston first spoke publicly about her diagnosis in 2025, while she was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, paired with professional dancer Johannes Radebe.
Saying she was initially reluctant to talk about it, she realised, “Actually, this is important,” when she started getting responses from people.
“If nothing else, it’s important to encourage people that if their body is behaving in a slightly unusual way, don’t just write it off as being old or suddenly becoming gluten intolerant.
“It could be something else and to go and have it checked,” she said.
8 potential cancer symptoms that could be mistaken for ageing
If you notice something unusual, it’s always advised to speak to your doctor or a medical professional. Often, it’s nothing to worry about, but spotting cancer early means treatment is more likely to be successful.
Bloating
Bloating, which Kingston said she experienced, is a feeling of tightness, fullness or swelling in your tummy. Fluctuating hormones during the perimenopause and early menopause can cause bloating in some women. Bloating can also have many other causes, including constipation and digestive issues.
It’s quite common to have bloating that comes and goes. However, if you feel bloated most days, even if it isn’t all the time, Cancer Research UK’s website advises you should see a doctor to rule out something more serious, like ovarian cancer.
Aching
Aches and pains are common as we get older. As we age, we lose muscle mass, which can put extra pressure on our joints. We’re also at greater risk of developing conditions like osteoarthritis. Musculoskeletal pain and arthritis may also be more common in women after the menopause.
If you have unexpected or persistent pain anywhere in the body, though, Cancer Research warns not to ignore it. “Speak to your doctor about it, especially if the pain is getting worse, or changes in any way,” the charity’s website advises.
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Constant tiredness
Sleep patterns can change as we age. Sleep becomes less deep and we may be more likely to be disturbed or wake up during the night. Sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnoea also become more common, so many of us may feel more tired than usual.
But while it’s completely normal to feel fatigued now and again, if you’re feeling tired all the time or there’s no obvious reason for your fatigue, Cancer Research UK advises speaking to your doctor to ensure it’s nothing more serious.
Changes to your skin
Wrinkles, dry skin and age spots are common as we age due to sun damage, reduced collagen levels and hormonal changes. There are some things you should always get checked, however, just to make sure they’re not a form of skin cancer. These include:
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Unusual scaly patches
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Dark bands of pigment on the nails
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Spots, warts or sores that don’t heal
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New moles or those that change shape or colour, bleed or become itchy or crusty
Night sweats
Night sweats are common when women are going through the menopause, which the NHS says typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. They can also be caused by an infection, when they’re often accompanied by a high temperature, or can be the side effect of certain medications. But Cancer Research says you should “speak to your doctor if you have very heavy, drenching night sweats, or an unexplained fever”.
Changes to your period
The perimenopause and menopause can cause changes to periods, which may become irregular. However, the NHS says unexplained bleeding or postmenopausal bleeding – even if it’s only a small amount or only happens once – should be checked by a doctor to rule out cancers such as ovarian or womb cancer.
Needing to wee more
Needing to pee more is common as we get older. As we age, we produce less of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which regulates the amount of water in the body. Lower levels mean that more urine is produced at night.
Needing to wee more can also be caused by an enlarged prostate, which is most common in men over 50.
Occasionally, though, needing to wee more often and other urinary changes, like trouble urinating, blood in your urine, or burning when you pee, could be signs of something more serious. Ovarian, bladder and prostate cancer can all cause changes to urinary habits, for example.
Erectile dysfunction
Men should also be aware that changes in libido and erections can be common as they get older, with almost half regularly experiencing erectile dysfunction in their 60s.
In some cases, though, erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of prostate cancer. If you’re concerned, speak to your GP to get checked.
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