When your health feels slightly 'off' for weeks, it's easy to blame stress, ageing or a lingering bug. But Dr Jiri Kubes, radiation oncologist and medical director at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, says this can mean potential signs of cancer are missed.
More than 403,000 people are now diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK – around 1,100 every day, or one person every 80 seconds. Despite this, Dr Kubes says many still believe cancer always causes obvious symptoms early on, and may delay vital treatment by ignoring subtler changes.
Persistent fatigue
Feeling exhausted after a hectic week or sleepless night is normal, but fatigue that doesn't improve after rest, or affects your ability to work, exercise or carry out everyday activities, is a red flag. Dr Kubes explains: 'Cancer-related fatigue is often described as an overwhelming exhaustion that doesn't improve with sleep.' He adds that while anaemia, thyroid disorders, infections and poor sleep are possible explanations, persistent fatigue should always be discussed with a GP if it isn't improving.
A cough that won't go away
'A persistent cough doesn't automatically mean cancer,' says Dr Kubes, noting there are many more common causes. However, most coughs linked to colds and viral infections clear up within a few weeks. A cough that doesn't go away or gradually worsens past this point warrants a trip to the GP. If accompanied by breathlessness, chest pain or coughing up blood, seek urgent medical assistance.
Unexplained weight loss
If your diet or routine hasn't changed but the number on the scales is dropping, it can indicate something is wrong. 'If you're losing weight despite eating normally and haven't intentionally changed your lifestyle, it's important to understand why,' says Dr Kubes. 'Often there will be another explanation, but it's not something that should simply be overlooked.'
Dr Kubes adds: 'The important thing is persistence. 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.'
