Three key signs of cancer when having your dinner you should never ignore

19 February 2024 , 21:05

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You should speak with a GP if you're experiencing any of the symptoms below (Image: Getty Images)

There are three key cancer symptoms you should never ignore when sitting down at the dinner table.

Medicine counts more than 200 different types of cancer, some with more clear symptoms than others. But there are a number of symptoms related to how you consume food that are a clear warning sign, and should never be ignored.

Each year, there are 375,000 new cases of cancer, with one in two expected to develop some form through their lifetime. Spotting the illness early is a lifesaver, which is why it's so important to be aware of the symptoms. Though they should raise the alarm, be aware that many of the symptoms can be for completely unrelated or innocuous reasons. But should you experience any of the symptoms listed below, you must visit your GP as soon as possible.

Macmillan - the leading charity providing support to cancer patients and their families - said several general symptoms can affect how we eat. One to be aware of is a loss of appetite. Should you not feel like eating as much as you do usually, or get full up quickly, it's worth having a word with your GP.

Another to watch out for is having difficulty swallowing, chewing, or feeling that something is stuck in your throat. Finally, if you develop indigestion or heartburn for three weeks or longer, or if it's extremely painful, it could also be a warning sign. However, it's good to remember that this is normal after eating a large of spicy meal.

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Macmillan also advises that dinner time is an important time of the day to look out for any unusual problems. You should also speak with your doctor if you suffer a bloated or swollen tummy. Especially it happens repeatedly or lasts a long time. Bloating is a symptom of many conditions, but is also seen in some kinds of cancer, like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum.

The charity also warned that you should watch for changes in your bowel movements, especially for issues that continue for three weeks or more. Loose or runny poo, hard poo, needing to go more often, or blood should all raise the alarm.

Ryan Fahey