An NHS GP and familiar television medic has issued a clear public health message, outlining five specific symptoms that should always prompt a visit to your doctor. Dr Amir Khan, who regularly appears on ITV's Lorraine and This Morning, stressed the importance of not dismissing certain signs, even if they seem minor.
The Five Key Symptoms You Must Not Ignore
In a detailed post on Instagram, Dr Khan provided a list of scenarios where medical assessment is essential. The first symptom highlighted is an unexplained cough lasting for three weeks or more. "Especially if you're a smoker, it may be nothing to worry about, but this is one of the commonest ways lung cancer can present," he explained, noting that a chest X-ray or scan might be necessary.
For those aged 55 and over, new and unexplained symptoms of acid reflux warrant investigation. "There are lots of other explanations for this," Dr Khan said, "but we need to make sure we're not missing a stomach or food pipe cancer."
Signs Affecting Women and General Health
Dr Khan pointed out a critical sign for post-menopausal women: any vaginal bleeding after not having a period for a year or more. He emphasised that it doesn't matter how small the bleed is, it requires investigation by a GP.
The fourth symptom involves noticing any unexplained blood in your urine, particularly if passing it was not painful. "It doesn't matter if it only happened once and it's all clear now," he advised, urging people to get it checked regardless.
Finally, any new mole or changes to an existing one should be examined. This includes moles that are growing, becoming itchier, bleeding, or simply changing in how they look or feel.
Context of Winter NHS Pressures
This advice comes as the NHS faces significant seasonal strain. Health officials have renewed appeals for eligible people to get their flu jab, with cases expected to rise over the festive period. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows hospital admission rates for flu in England remained high at 3.9 per 100,000 people earlier in December.
Simultaneously, the public is being urged to use emergency services wisely. NHS England revealed that last winter, A&E departments in England treated over 200,000 people for issues that could have been handled by GPs or pharmacists. These included:
- 96,998 cases of sore throat
- Almost 84,000 cases of earache
- 8,669 cases of itchy skin
- 6,000+ cases of blocked noses
- 3,890 cases of ingrowing toenails
- 384 people with hiccups
Health Secretary Wes Streeting reinforced the message, stating on Good Morning Britain that "A&Es should be accident and emergency, not anything and everything."
Dr Khan concluded his advice by reassuring the public that while these symptoms are often benign, it is crucial for medical professionals to make that judgement. His guidance aims to ensure serious conditions are caught early while helping to direct appropriate care and relieve pressure on overstretched emergency services this winter.
