Ask the specialist: Common symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
Common symptoms you shouldn’t ignore and when to seek medical advice.
Our bodies often give us signals when something isn’t quite right. Most symptoms have causes that are not cancer, but a persistent or unexplained change can sometimes be a sign that deserves medical attention.
Being aware of changes in your body can help you recognise when something unusual should be discussed with a doctor.
When people ask, what are symptoms of cancer? There is no single answer because cancer can affect almost any part of the body and symptoms vary depending on the type, location and stage of the disease.
Dr. Ahmed Mounir Sorour, Clinical Specialist Advisor at Bupa Global, says fatigue is one symptom that can be particularly easy to overlook. “Fatigue can be one of the hidden symptoms of some cancers or other severe conditions. It may be the first thing that someone observes.”
More broadly, Dr. Sorour says the key is not to dismiss a symptom simply because it initially appears common. A symptom that persists for two to three weeks, changes unexpectedly, or is particularly severe may warrant a conversation with a doctor.
A simple rule to follow, get it checked if a symptom:
- Lasts more than two to three weeks
- Is getting worse, or keeps coming back
- Comes with other unexplained changes, such as weight loss, bleeding or a lump; or is simply new and unusual for you.
Most of the time the cause will be something minor. A check-up either finds it early or gives you reassurance.
Early warning signs of cancer
Cancer can cause many different symptoms, and some people may have few or no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Dr. Sorour advises paying attention to symptoms that are unusual for you, particularly changes that are new, persistent or getting worse, rather than waiting for them to become severe.
Possible warning signs of cancer can include:
- An unexplained lump
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent or unusual pain
- Ongoing fatigue
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- A cough, hoarseness or difficulty swallowing that does not go away
- Changes to a mole or skin
- Persistent indigestion
- Unexplained fevers or night sweats
Most of these symptoms are far more often caused by something other than cancer, such as infection, digestive problems or hormonal changes. But if one is new, unexplained and doesn’t go away, it is worth getting checked.
Duration of symptoms is an important factor. According to Dr. Sorour if a common symptom lasts for more than two to three weeks, even a cough, a change in bowel habits, or anything unusual, it should be checked to make sure it’s nothing serious.
What are the symptoms of common cancers?
Changes to the skin can also be important. Knowing what the symptoms of skin cancer are can help you notice changes that require medical attention. Perhaps a new growth or sore that does not heal, a mole, freckle or patch of skin that changes in size, shape, colour or texture. A lesion that repeatedly bleeds, crusts, itches or becomes painful should also be checked.
Healthcare professionals often look for asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven colour, increasing diameter and evolution or change over time.
Dr. Sorour says: “If something like a mole changes in a way that isn’t usual, a dermatologist should be consulted.”
When people ask what the symptoms of breast cancer are, a breast lump is often the first symptom that comes to mind. However, other symptoms that should be checked can include a new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, a change in the size or shape, dimpling of the skin or persistent changes in the appearance of the breast.
Breast changes are common and are not automatically a sign of cancer. However, a new or unexplained change should be assessed by a doctor.
A cough that doesn’t go away
If you're wondering what the symptoms of throat cancer are, some possible signs involve changes to the voice, throat or swallowing.
Persistent hoarseness or a change in your voice, a sore throat that does not improve, difficulty or pain when swallowing, a persistent cough, a lump or swelling in the neck, or unexplained weight loss can require investigation.
These symptoms can also occur with common infections, reflux and other non-cancerous conditions. The important distinction is often persistence. If symptoms continue, recur frequently or become worse, speak to a doctor.
Changes in your body that shouldn’t be ignored
The early symptoms of stomach cancer can sometimes resemble common digestive problems, which can make them easy to overlook.
When it comes to possible warning signs, Dr. Sorour says certain symptoms should prompt people to seek medical advice rather than waiting for them to resolve. “Coughing up blood, vomiting blood, or blood in the stool can be a first manifestation of cancers such as lung or bowel cancer.”
When considering what the symptoms of stomach cancer are, possible signs include persistent indigestion or heartburn, ongoing upper abdominal discomfort, feeling full unusually quickly when eating, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, nausea or vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Changes inside the mouth can sometimes be easy to dismiss, especially when they resemble ulcers or irritation from biting the cheek or tongue.
When asking what the symptoms of tongue or mouth cancer are, signs to be aware of include a mouth ulcer that does not heal, an unexplained lump in the mouth or neck, a persistent red or white patch, unexplained bleeding, ongoing pain or numbness, difficulty chewing or swallowing, changes in speech, or persistent changes to the tongue.
Many mouth ulcers and irritations heal naturally. A sore, patch, lump or other unexplained change that persists should be examined by a doctor or dentist. Consider speaking to a healthcare professional if you notice a new or unexplained symptom that persists, gets worse, keeps returning or simply concerns you. Certain symptoms, such as significant unexplained bleeding or severe breathing difficulties, may require more urgent medical attention.
Ultimately, knowing your body and paying attention to changes can help you recognise when something needs to be checked. Most symptoms have causes that are not cancer, but if something is new, unexplained, persistent or changing, it is important not to ignore it. Seeking medical advice can help provide reassurance, identify the cause and, when necessary, ensure that appropriate treatment is started as early as possible.
