A cancer specialist is warning that three familiar symptoms are too often being shrugged off by patients, even though they can be among the earliest clues that something more serious may be going on.
Speaking to Metro, Dr Jiri Kubes, a radiation oncologist and medical director at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, said many people still assume cancer will make itself known in a dramatic or unmistakable way. In reality, he said, the first signs can be far more subtle and are often mistaken for common, less serious conditions.
As cancer rates continue to climb, Dr Kubes said people should be more mindful of symptoms that do not go away, keep returning, or simply feel out of the ordinary.
“The important thing isn’t to become anxious about every cough or ache, but to pay attention to symptoms that persist, keep returning or simply don’t feel normal for you,” he said.
The first symptom he highlighted was persistent fatigue. While most people feel tired after a stressful week or a poor night’s sleep, exhaustion that continues despite rest, or starts interfering with work, exercise, or daily activities, should not be ignored.
“Cancer-related fatigue is often described as an overwhelming exhaustion that doesn’t improve with sleep,” Dr Kubes explained.
“There are many possible explanations, including anaemia, thyroid disorders, infections and poor sleep, but persistent fatigue should always be discussed with your doctor if it isn’t improving.”
The second warning sign is a cough that lingers. Coughs caused by colds or viruses will usually ease within a few weeks, so one that carries on for longer than expected, or becomes more severe, should be assessed.
“A persistent cough doesn’t automatically mean cancer,” Dr Kubes said. “In fact, there are many more common causes.”
He also said that if a lingering cough is accompanied by breathlessness, chest pain, or coughing up blood, urgent medical attention is important.
The third symptom he pointed to was unexplained weight loss.
“If you’re losing weight despite eating normally and haven’t intentionally changed your lifestyle, it’s important to understand why,” Dr Kubes said.
“Often there will be another explanation, but it’s not something that should simply be overlooked.”
He emphasised that one symptom alone will not usually indicate cancer, and in many cases there will be a less serious explanation. However, the main issue, he said, is whether a symptom sticks around or repeatedly comes back.
“If something continues for several weeks, keeps returning or simply doesn’t feel right for you, it’s always worth getting checked rather than assuming it will eventually go away,” he added.
More general signs linked to cancer can include unexplained weight loss, lasting fatigue, unusual lumps, or changes to the skin.
Symptoms can vary depending on which part of the body is affected, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention monitors warning signs associated with several forms of the disease.
These are:
- A new lump or swelling anywhere on the body
- Unusual bruising or bleeding, including blood in the urine or stool
- Persistent or worsening pain anywhere in the body
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Ongoing tiredness or fatigue
- Skin changes, such as a new mole, a changing mole, or a sore that does not heal
- A cough or hoarseness that does not go away
- Changes in bowel habits, such as ongoing constipation or diarrhoea
- Bladder changes, such as pain when urinating, blood in the urine, or needing to urinate more or less often than usual
- Fever or night sweats that keep coming back
- Headaches, vision changes, or hearing problems
Other symptoms can include bloating, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or vaginal bleeding that is not normal for you.
Doctors say the key is not to panic over every minor change, but to get symptoms checked if they are new, persistent, worsening, or simply unusual for you. Early diagnosis can make treatment easier and more effective, and many symptoms that seem worrying can still turn out to have a non-cancer cause.