Symptoms of cancer you might spot this Christmas from bloating to croaky voice
Christmas parties are hardly occasions where you're hoping to encounter symptoms of cancer.
And rather than a health scare, the worst thing about festive events should be awkward drunk chats with colleagues, or small talk with long-lost family members. But it is still important to be aware of the most common symptoms of the disease this December and into the New Year, as an earlier diagnosis can make all the difference.
Leading cancer charity Cancer Research UK said: "Spotting cancer at an early stage saves lives, so tell your doctor if you notice anything that isn't normal for you. You don't need to try and remember all the signs and symptoms of cancer – listen to your body. Signs and symptoms are more often caused by something less serious than cancer. But if it is cancer, spotting it early can make a real difference."
Christmas is hardly the time to worry about your health - but early detection saves lives (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Feeling bloated
Some degree of bloating around Christmas time is practically a given, what with all the eating and drinking. Bloating is often triggered by cruciferous vegetables like brussel sprouts, which – for better or for worse – are a Christmas dinner staple.
Persistent bloating, particularly that which lasts every day for up to three weeks, is one of the main signs of ovarian cancer – yet only a third of women in the UK would go to their doctor if they were experiencing this symptom, according to gynaecological cancer research charity The Eve Appeal.
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Fluttering stomach
A sense of "fluttering" beneath the ribs may be linked to pancreatic cancer.
The symptom was first highlighted in 2014 by a British Medical Journal report that referred to patients complaining of "pain" and "fluttering" sensations in their stomach ahead of being diagnosed with the disease.
Lisa Woodrow, pancreatic cancer specialist at Pancreatic Cancer UK, commented that although people more rarely talk about a fluttering feeling in their abdomen, "this could be related to digestive issues caused by the pancreas not working properly".
Difficulty swallowing
If you're finding that mince pies (and any other foods, mind) seem to be sticking in your throat or chest, speak to your doctor – as these are some of the most common symptoms of oesophageal cancer.
A harmless narrowing of the oesophagus called a structure could also be behind your difficulty swallowing, but it is best to get yourself checked out by a doctor regardless.
Cancer of the larynx, thyroid gland, throat, nasal cavity, salivary glands, as well as mouth and tongue are also more likely to cause problems with chewing or swallowing.
Gurgling insides
Keep an eye out for anything that feels unusual in your body this festive season (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Our stomachs may be a little unsettled over the Christmas period, so in and of itself, gurgling insides are by no means something to panic about.
If, however, this is accompanied by blood in stool, excess gas, nausea, vomiting, heartburn and unintended weight loss, it's worth asking your doctor about colon and bowel cancer.
Several other conditions such as haemorrhoids (piles), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diverticulitis can also cause the above symptoms, but do speak to a clinician if the symptoms are lasting longer than three weeks.
Changes in taste
Indigestion leaves a painful, burning feeling in your chest and a bitter, unpleasant taste in your mouth.
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It's totally normal to feel that kind of discomfort sometimes after eating a large, fatty or spicy meal.
But indigestion, also known as heartburn or acid reflux, is also a symptom of stomach and pancreatic cancers.
Remember that indigestion is common and not usually caused by cancer.
Nausea
Research shows that nausea and vomiting occur in 40%-70% of people with cancer, though they are also common in other chronic conditions such as hepatitis C and IBD.
Brain tumours, liver tumours and GI tumours are among the types of cancer most likely to cause nausea and bloating, according to CancerNet.
But be reassured by the fact that feeling a bit sick is also common in cases of food poisoning, norovirus and vertigo.
Dizziness
Feeling lightheaded – especially when you're had one too many – happens every now and again and is usually nothing to worry about.
But if you're feeling dizzy for more than a couple of days, speak to your GP, as being off-balance can be a symptom of blood cancer or a brain tumour.
Croaky voice
Non-stop chatter amidst blaring music at Christmas functions can easily leave you with a voice that's worse-for-wear, but you should get checked out if the hoarseness doesn't go away.
It could indicate laryngeal, throat or lung cancer.
Loss of appetite
You might lose your appetite over Christmas simply because you've eaten a lot and don't fancy more, but if you notice you're not as hungry as usual even when you haven't had anything in a while, speak to your doctor.
Appetite loss can be a symptom of depression or anxiety, but ovarian, lung, stomach and pancreatic cancers can also make you not feel like eating.
Changes in taste
Cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can make food and drink taste different, but changes in taste can also be a symptom of cancer itself.
This often presents as a metallic taste, and is most common in patients with head and neck cancer.
Your sense of smell may also be altered, as well as your mouth feel.
Note that as you get older, it can get harder for you to notice certain flavours as the taste buds you have shrink and become less sensitive.
Back pain
Unexplained and persistent aches and pains – when you haven't been standing up for long periods at parties, that is – can also be a symptom of cancer.
The location of these pains is often indicative – chest pain for lung cancer, for example – but also may suggest the disease has spread and is a clear sign you need to undergo a health screening.
Swelling
Large tumours can sometimes press on blood vessels or lymphatic vessels and cause swelling.
And persistent lumps – one of the more obvious symptoms of cancer – should also be taken seriously, including any in the neck, armpit, stomach, groin, chest, breast, or testicle.
Fatigue
It's normal to feel more tired than usual over the festive period, particularly if you're been busy socialising.
But if you're tired for no clear reason, something may be wrong.
Cancer Research UK estimates almost 65% of people with cancer feel fatigued.
That's because extreme fatigue is a symptom of blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, as well as breast, bowel and prostate cancer.
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