I’m an oncologist — these are the most commonly-overlooked cancer symptoms

No matter how small they may seem, persistent symptoms warrant further investigation (Picture: Getty) When your health feels slightly ‘off’ for weeks on end, it’s easy to put it down to stress, getting older or a lingering bug. But according to Dr Jiri Kubes, radiation oncologist and medical director at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, this can mean potential signs of cancer are missed. Cases of the disease are on the rise, with more than 403,000 people now diagnosed with cancer each year; equal to around 1,100 every day, or one person every 80 seconds. Despite this, Dr Kubes says many people still believe it always causes obvious symptoms in its early stages, and may end up delaying vital treatment by ignoring subtler changes. ‘Cancer doesn’t always announce itself dramatically, and many of the early warning signs are vague and easily explained by more common conditions,’ he tells Metro. ‘The important thing isn’t to become anxious about every cough or ache, but to pay attention to symptoms that persist, keep returning or simply don’t feel normal for you.’ Early warning signs of cancer are often overlooked (Picture: Getty) Although he notes ‘one symptom on its own rarely points to cancer’, the specialist is urging people not to dismiss ongoing problems — however small they may seem. ‘In many cases they’ll turn out to have a harmless explanation, but if something more serious is going on, getting it checked early gives us the best possible chance of diagnosing and treating it successfully,’ Dr Kubes adds. Wondering what to look out for? These are the three of the most commonly-overlooked issues that could indicate cancer. Persistent fatigue Feeling exhausted after a hectic week or sleepless night is perfectly normal, but fatigue that doesn’t improve after rest, or which affects your ability to work, exercise or carry out everyday activities, is a red flag for doctors. POLL Poll What would you do if you experienced persistent unusual symptoms? See a doctor immediately to check them out.Check Wait and see if they go away on their own.Check Ignore them, they're probably not serious.Check Sign up to Metro's The Slice newsletter for your guide to what's on in London, with trusted reviews, offers and giveaways. Postcode ? Enter your postcode so we can deliver content close to you Close DOB ? Content is 18+ Close Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy Dr Kubes explains: ‘Cancer-related fatigue is often described as an overwhelming exhaustion that doesn’t improve with sleep. ‘There are many possible explanations, including anaemia, thyroid disorders, infections and poor sleep, but persistent fatigue should always be discussed with your GP if it isn’t improving.’ A cough that won’t go away ‘A persistent cough doesn’t automatically mean cancer,’ highlights Dr Kubes. ‘In fact, there are many more common causes.’ However, since most coughs linked to colds and viral infections clear up within a few weeks, one that doesn’t go away or gradually worsens past this point warrants a trip to the GP. If it’s also accompanied by breathlessness, chest pain or coughing up blood, you should seek urgent medical assistance. Most coughs won’t last longer than a few weeks (Picture: Getty Images) Unexplained weight loss While losing weight is a goal for many, if your diet or routine is the same as before but the number on the scales isn’t, it can be an indication something isn’t right — and something your doctor will want to investigate. ‘If you’re losing weight despite eating normally and haven’t intentionally changed your lifestyle, it’s important to understand why,’ says the cancer specialist. ‘Often there will be another explanation, but it’s not something that should simply be overlooked.’ Dr Kubes adds: ‘The important thing is persistence. If something continues for several weeks, keeps returning or simply doesn’t feel right for you, it’s always worth getting checked rather than assuming it will eventually go away.’ Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk