Health checks you can do at home

• anxiety causing a lump in the throat (globus hystericus)
• narrowing of the oesophagus due to muscular spasm or long-standing acid regurgitation
• muscle weakness
• pouching of the gullet
• cancer of the oesophagus or upper stomach

8. A persistent, nagging cough or shortness of breath
If you suffer from a persistent, nagging cough or shortness of breath, always consult your doctor. Possible causes include:

• asthma
• chest infection
• chronic bronchitis, emphysema (dilated air sacs) or other lung disease
• fluid build-up in the lungs due to heart failure
• anaemia
• lung cancer

9. A skin blemish that changes or a scab, sore or ulcer that fails to heal within 3 weeks
Check your skin regularly for any blemish that is changing - and ask someone to examine your back and other places you cannot see yourself. While in many cases, the lesions will turn out to be harmless, it can be difficult for even a doctor to know for certain until the patch has been biopsied and examined under a microscope. Possible causes include:

• infection
• skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis
• pigmentation due to sun damage (may be pre-cancerous)
• benign skin growths
• rare diseases with skin involvement such as pemphigus or porphyria
• skin cancer

If diagnosed early, the majority of skin cancers can be removed and the problem cured. Warning signs to look out for are an ulcer or sore that gets worse or fails to heal within three weeks, and a blemish that starts to:

• get bigger
• turn darker
• go scaly
• itch
• weep
• crust over or scab without healing
• develop a raised, rolled edge

10. Hoarse voice, mouth ulcer or sore throat lasting more than 3 weeks
A sore throat, mouth ulcer or voice hoarseness that lasts more than 3 weeks needs full investigation. Possible causes include:

• infection
• sore throat due to lowered immunity or blood disorder
• weakness of muscles or nerves in the throat
• warty growth on the vocal chords
• cancer

Most mouth cancers are detected by dentists - an excellent reason for regular dental check-ups, even if your teeth are perfect.

Find out how to financially prepare yourself for a health crisis.