Cancer doctors reveal the subtle symptoms most people overlook and what to do if you develop them
A group of doctors who specialize in cancer have detailed four subtle symptoms of the disease that people often overlook.
The American Cancer Society predicts 2.1 million people in the US will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026, while 626,000 Americans are expected to die from the disease.
Such alarming predictions means roughly 5,800 new cases and 1,720 deaths will be reported every day.
So, it's hugely important to be aware of the symptoms to look out for, especially the overlooked ones that many would just put down to something else.
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After all, early diagnosis is crucial when it comes to the majority of cancers.
The Telegraph sat down with four different doctors to discuss some lesser-known cancer symptoms to be aware of and what to do if you notice something wrong.
Lung cancer - persistent or repeated chest infections
Lung cancer is a common form of the disease in the US, so it's hugely important to be aware of the signs to look out for.
Professor Robert Rintoul, from the University of Cambridge, explained that chest infections are common with lung cancer as a tumor can block an airway.
He explained to the Telegraph: "Repeated chest infections is something I commonly see and often isn’t appreciated [as a cancer symptom] in the same way as a persistent cough.
"The lungs constantly clear themselves out by moving mucus into the back of your throat. You swallow these secretions all the time without realising."
The health expert did note that most people with a chest infection will not have lung cancer, but if it's persistent or repeated then you should really be getting checked out.
"If it’s slow to clear up or it is the second or third chest infection in the last year or so, then it should start ringing alarm bells," the professor added.
Those concerned can ask their GP for a chest X-ray or CT scan, the doctor went on to say.
Breast cancer - changes in texture
You often associate a lump in the breast as the most common sign of breast cancer and while you may be correct, there are certainly other symptoms to be aware of.
Dr Alicia Okines explained how a texture change is caused by lobular breast cancer, the second most common type of breast cancer.
"Women may just notice that the breast feels a bit thickened or the nipple is a bit flatter or inverted, which are quite subtle changes," the health professional said.
"When they self-examine, they can’t feel a lump as such, so it doesn’t always get investigated quickly, and [the tumour] can cover quite a large area by the time it becomes noticeable."
If you discover a sudden change in texture on the breast, then Dr Okines advises you book a doctors appointment.
Bowel cancer - loose stools
Bowel cancer is one of the more common forms of the disease in the US, with a particular concerning increase in the younger generation receiving a diagnosis in recent times.
Surgeon Shahnawaz Rasheed explained how loose stool 'over a couple of months' should get checked out.
Rasheed explained to the Telegraph: "Generally, people think it must be haemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome. They justify the symptom because no one really thinks they have cancer. They think of all the 100 reasons why they probably don’t. The only way of knowing is by doing the test to exclude it. You can’t ignore new symptoms."
As is the case with the previous symptoms, it's best to visit your GP if you have any concerns.
Prostate cancer - generally feeling unwell
Urologist Declan Cahill states patients may feel unwell as prostate cancer continues to grow, though it can take some time.
"Even aggressive prostate cancer has a doubling time of two years," Cahill explained. "It creeps up on people, and they tend to feel rubbish, slowly."
He added: "People who present late with prostate cancer also have bone pain – often hip pain and back pain – that doesn’t go away."
To minimise your risk, Cahill advises men over the aged of 50 to request a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which can determine if an individual has prostate cancer.
Topics: Cancer, Health, Breast cancer
Callum Jones