*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Symptoms

Main symptoms of bile duct cancer

Bile duct cancer may not have any symptoms, or they can be hard to spot.

Symptoms of bile duct cancer can include:

the whites of your eyes turning yellow or your skin turning yellow, which may be less obvious on brown or black skin (jaundice)
itchy skin
darker pee and paler poo than usual
loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
feeling generally unwell
feeling tired or having no energy
a high temperature, or you feel hot or shivery

Other symptoms can affect your tummy, such as:

your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow
you're being sick for more than 2 days
you have symptoms that you are worried about, but are not sure where to get help

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Many of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by different conditions.

Having them does not definitely mean you have bile duct cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.

This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.

The GP may feel your tummy.

They may ask you to have a blood test.

The GP may refer you to see a specialist in hospital for more tests if they think you have a condition that needs to be investigated.

This may be an urgent referral, usually within 2 weeks, if you have certain symptoms. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.