A medical expert has pointed out a symptom that might indicate a life-threatening cancer, which is considered ‘one of the fastest growing in the world’.
In recent years, there has been an increase in cancer cases among younger individuals, prompting significant research to understand this alarming trend.
Early detection is critical for ensuring a quick recovery, which is why any potential cancer symptoms should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare professional to secure the best prognosis.
The incidence of head and neck cancers is climbing, with Cancer Research UK reporting nearly 13,000 cases annually.
According to the Mirror, Dr. Jiri Kubes, an Oncologist at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, emphasized: “Earlier diagnosis is absolutely crucial. The sooner we can identify head and neck cancer, the better the outcome.”
Dr. Kubes also noted: “It is considered one of the fastest growing types of cancer in the world but there is still a worrying lack of awareness around head and neck tumours.”
Persistent blocked ears might be a warning sign as Dr. Kubes explained: “This is a similar feeling to the one you might get after diving into a swimming pool. Stubborn earache also could be a sign there’s cancer around that area.”
Concerns should also arise from symptoms like sore gums and ulcers. The expert advised: “Don’t just shrug off an ulcer – get it checked out by your GP as it could be a cancerous lesion. Pain in your teeth and white or red patches in the mouth are also tell-tale symptoms.”
Furthermore, Dr. Kubes highlighted that a sore throat that ‘lasts for more than two weeks, or if you experience any voice changes or hoarseness, this should ring alarm bells’.
This follows a warning from another doctor cautioning against ignoring a common cancer symptom often overlooked during warm weather.
Night sweats can become more frequent with rising temperatures, but Dr. Suhail Hussain has cautioned that if they’re occurring regularly, it might indicate a serious health issue.
He mentioned that it could be a sign of leukaemia or lymphoma, which are cancers that impact blood cells.
While leukaemia mainly affects the bone marrow, lymphoma targets the lymphatic system.
Although symptoms like these do not necessarily indicate cancer, it is always prudent to consult a medical professional for reassurance.
If you need to talk to someone about these concerns confidentially, you can reach out to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or use their live chat feature, which is available 24/7 every day of the year.