Overlooked sign when you're eating dinner that could be a symptom of cancer

03 September 2023 , 10:55

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Does food get stuck in your throat? Do you have difficulty swallowing? (Stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

With most types of cancer, there are certain symptoms you can look out for, however, this isn't always the case. The type of symptoms a person may have can be different to others, while some cancers don't have symptoms at all. The most common signs and symptoms of cancer include fatigue, weight gain or loss, lumps under the skin, persistent cough or trouble breathing, and changes in bowel or bladder habits, according to Cancer Research UK.

Cancer Symptoms, small or large, shouldn't be ignored and it is important to consult with a doctor if you notice these changes in your body. When cancer is diagnosed at an early stage is more likely to be treated successfully, such as through surgery, medication, or chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

However, if a cancer symptom is overlooked and untreated, it could become life-threatening. One often overlooked sign of cancer includes if you're having difficulty swallowing food or feeling full at meal times.

The medical term used for swallowing difficulties is dysphagia and it may or may not be a sign of cancer. If it gets worse over time, it is best to seek medical advice. Alongside difficulty swallowing, there are five other common symptoms of cancer that you could be ignoring, according to John Hopkins gastroenterologist Anne Marie Lennon.

The five symptoms of cancer you might be ignoring:

Warning as popular food and drink ‘increase risk of cancer death by up to 30%’

1. Shortness of breath
2. Bleeding
3. Lumps and masses
4. Difficulty swallowing or feeling full
5. Changes in bodily functions

She said the five symptoms can seem as though they're nothing to worry about, but if they begin suddenly or get worse, then you should see your doctor. The medical expert insisted that shortness of breath should be evaluated if you experience it while doing normal activities that wouldn't usually make you out of breath, while changes in bodily functions can include sudden constipation or diarrhoea, difficulty passing urine, or feeling like you're not emptying your bowels completely.

Anna also said that certain types of bleeding can be more indicative of cancer than others, and while bleeding can be caused by other conditions, any bleeding that involves coughing up blood, having blood in your stool or urine, or having bloody nipple discharge should be evaluated by a doctor.

According to the Cancer Research UK website, one in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and around four in ten UK cancer cases every year could be prevented, that’s more than 135,000 every year. Visit the NHS website for more information.

Ayaan Ali