Cancer occurs when the body’s cells lose the ability to regulate themselves properly after damage to their DNA.
According to British emergency physician Alex Wibberley, the process typically unfolds over many years rather than over just a few weeks.
As reported by LADBible, the doctor explains on his YouTube channel that it often takes between 10 and 15 years from the first cellular change until a tumor can be detected clinically.
During that time, the disease may progress without noticeable signs.
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According to Alex Wibberley, public understanding of cancer is often limited, which can affect when the disease is discovered.
Symptoms often overlooked
Many people associate cancer with pain or obvious lumps, but symptoms often only appear once a tumor physically affects organs, nerves, or blood vessels.
In addition, several internal organs do not register pain in the same way as the skin and muscles do.
Alex Wibberley points out, among other things, that the liver can in some cases enlarge significantly due to a tumor before a person notices anything.
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At the same time, he emphasizes that symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, or persistent pain are often caused by other, less serious illnesses.
The key factor, therefore, is whether symptoms persist or change over time.
Early detection is important
According to the doctor, the timing of a diagnosis plays a crucial role in treatment options.
For that reason, he highlights screening programs as an important tool within the healthcare system.
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He mentions cervical cancer screening, mammograms for breast cancer, and PSA testing in certain high-risk groups as examples of examinations that can lead to earlier detection.
Cancer often only becomes noticeable later in the course of the disease.
According to Alex Wibberley, this explains why many people only react once the disease has already been developing for several years.
Sources: LADBible.
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