Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for a seizure, sudden weakness on one side, new difficulty speaking, severe breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, coughing or vomiting blood, or symptoms of spinal cord pressure such as new leg weakness with loss of bladder or bowel control.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your cancer team promptly about any new, persistent, or worsening symptom.
This is especially important during immunotherapy because early treatment of immune-related side effects may prevent them from becoming more severe.
Seek urgent same-day advice for symptoms such as:
New or worsening diarrhoea, especially with blood or abdominal pain
Yellow skin or eyes, very dark urine, or severe nausea
A spreading rash, blistering, or painful skin changes
New breathlessness, persistent cough, or fever
Marked weakness, dizziness, confusion, or reduced urine output
A severe or steadily worsening headache
Do not wait for the next scan if a symptom is getting worse.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine concerns, contact your usual team about manageable side effects, new skin changes, sleep or appetite problems, emotional distress, or questions about medicines and supplements.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Metastatic melanoma. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.