Health experts have warned Brits to be aware of three signs of cancer that can appear when eating dinner. These symptoms should not be ignored as there are 375,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed every year and one in two people are expected to develop it at some point in their life.
The sooner you spot it and get treatment, the better your chances of fully recovering. Cancer charity Macmillan has highlighted several symptoms that can affect how we eat.
If you notice these, you should see a GP as soon as possible. The first symptom to watch out for is a loss of appetite – if you’re not as hungry as usual or you get full quickly, you should book a doctor’s appointment.
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Another sign to look out for is difficulty swallowing, chewing, or feeling like something is constantly stuck in your throat. Lastly, if you have indigestion or heartburn for more than three days, it could be a warning sign.
Macmillan also advises you to speak to a doctor if you experience bloating or a swollen stomach, especially for prolonged periods. While bloating can be a symptom of many different conditions, it has also been seen in ovarian, peritoneum and fallopian forms of cancer.
The charity has urged people to pay attention to changes in their trips to the loo, especially problems that go on for more than three weeks. Loose stools, hard stools, blood in your poo and needing to go to the toilet more often are all signs you should get checked out.
Even though all of the symptoms can also be from illnesses that aren’t as serious, you should always see a doctor just in case. The Duchess of York has told the public they should never miss their health checks for cancer because “days could make the difference between life and death”.
Sarah Ferguson, aged 64, urged everyone to take action after her own diagnosis with a very harsh type of skin cancer earlier this year in January. The duchess – who is mum to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and last year won her battle against breast cancer, said the news of her having a malignant melanoma was a big surprise.
But she did thank her family for being there for her, andtold how it was actually her sister who convinced her not to postpone a regular mammogram. She updated her followers on Instagram with this message: “Days could make the difference between life and death, so please don’t skip or put off your health checks and urge your loved ones to go to theirs.”
The ex-wife of the Duke of York discovered she had skin cancer less than a year after her fight against breast cancer. It was found when several moles were taken out and examined by her skin specialist at the same time as she was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
