Most of us have experienced a new ache, unusual tiredness or a strange symptom and assumed it would disappear on its own. In many cases it does, but health experts say there are some changes that should never be ignored.
According to the NHS, Cancer Research UK and the American Cancer Society, paying attention to persistent or unexplained symptoms can help detect serious illnesses earlier, when treatment is often more effective, reports LADbible.
A recent video by haematologist Dr Amit Garg has drawn attention to five subtle symptoms that deserve medical assessment.
Experts stress that these signs do not automatically mean someone has cancer, but they should not be dismissed without speaking to a healthcare professional.
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Blood in urine
One of the most important warning signs is urine that appears red, pink, brown or even cola-coloured.
The NHS states that blood in the urine can be caused by relatively common conditions such as urinary tract infections or kidney stones, but it may also be an early symptom of bladder cancer. Medical professionals recommend seeking advice even if the symptom only occurs once.
Five symptoms
Dr Garg also highlights several other changes that are worth discussing with a doctor if they are persistent or unexplained.
- A swollen, firm lymph node above the left collarbone.
- A new or changing dark streak underneath a fingernail or toenail.
- New-onset diabetes after the age of 50.
- Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food.
Early action matters
Research, including work by Professor V. Wendy Setiawan at the University of Southern California, has identified an association between new-onset diabetes later in life and pancreatic cancer.
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Meanwhile, the American Cancer Society notes that persistent early satiety can be a symptom associated with ovarian cancer, particularly when it occurs alongside bloating, pelvic discomfort or urinary changes.
Doctors emphasise that the vast majority of people experiencing these symptoms will not have cancer. However, unexplained or persistent changes in the body should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Early diagnosis can either provide reassurance or improve the chances of successful treatment if a serious condition is found.
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This article is made and published by Mie Hermansen, who may have used AI in the preparation.