CANCER symptoms can be difficult to spot because they can be similar to other conditions and often occur inside the body so aren’t easily visible.
But spotting symptoms early is very important – the earlier you find cancer, the easier it is to treat.
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While it might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you’re tucking into your favourite meal, symptoms of some cancers could appear during breakfast, lunch and dinner.
These symptoms might initially be mistaken for less serious conditions, such as acid reflux or heartburn, which often delays diagnosis.
Yet according to Ade Williams, pharmacist ambassador for Pancreatic Cancer Action, a variety of digestive issues can be caused by pancreatic cancer – the deadliest form of the disease.
Here, he reveals some common symptoms to look out for during mealtimes, potential misinterpretations, and the cancers they might signal.
1. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Pain or discomfort when swallowing and feeling like food is stuck in the throat or chest is one symptom to watch out for.
Ade said: “This can often be mistaken for acid reflux or anxiety-related swallowing issues.
“It can signal oesphageal cancer, throat cancer or stomach cancer.”
2. Persistent indigestion or heartburn
A burning sensation in the chest or stomach, bloating, frequent burping can also indicate cancer.
Ade said: “This can be misdiagnosed as acid reflux, gastritis or peptic ulcers, but could signal stomach cancer, oesophageal cancer and pancreatic cancer.”
3. Feeling full quickly
Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food is another symptom to note.
Ade advised: “This could be put down to IBS, peptic ulcers, or poor appetite.
“But this is often an early symptom of pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer and stomach cancer.”
4. Nausea or vomiting
You should also be wary of frequent nausea, vomiting soon after meals, or vomiting blood.
Ade warned: “People may think they have food poisoning, gastritis, or even migraines.
“This is also an early symptom of pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer and brain tumours (which can affect the vomiting centre in the brain).”
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5. Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without trying, often despite normal or reduced appetite can be a sign of many different types of cancer.
Ade said: “This could be associated with stress, hyperthyroidism, or dietary changes.
“This is also indicative of many different cancers, including stomach, pancreatic cancer, oesophageal, and lung cancer.”
6. Abdominal pain or discomfort
Persistent or severe pain in the abdomen, particularly after eating can also occur in cases of cancer.
Ade said: “It’s often perceived as gallstones, IBS, or peptic ulcers.
“But this is a very common symptom of pancreatic cancer, especially if it gets worse when you lie down, liver cancer, stomach cancer and bowel cancer.”
7. Change in bowel habits
Diarrhoea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency, especially if found shortly after eating is another red flag.
Ade said: “Many people interpret this as IBS, lactose intolerance, or dietary changes.
“But it is often an early symptom for pancreatic cancer, notably, if the stools are pale, fatty and difficult to flush.”
Changes to your bowel habits, either going more often or less frequently than your ‘normal’ can also be a warning sign of bowel or stomach cancer.
8. Jaundice
Watch out for yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and pale stools, particularly after eating fatty foods.
Ade said: “This is often mistaken for hepatitis, gallstones, or liver disease.
“But this is also an early symptom of pancreatic cancer, liver cancer and bile duct cancer.”
DON’T DELAY… GET CHECKED
Many of these symptoms are non-specific and can be caused by a variety of benign conditions like acid reflux, IBS, or stress.
This overlap can make it difficult to distinguish between a harmless issue and a serious underlying cancer, especially in the early stages when symptoms are mild or intermittent.
Ade cautioned: “Many people will go to their local pharmacy to grab a packet of indigestion or diarrhoea tablets as they do not think it is worth bothering their GP about.
“We would prefer they have a word with the pharmacist while they are there.
“As pharmacists we can refer patients should we think necessary.
“We also advise anyone suffering with any of the above symptoms for 10 days or more to speak to a healthcare professional.
“If the symptoms have not gotten better within 10 days, this could signal something more sinister.”
If you experience any symptoms of cancer book an appointment with your GP.
Key signs and symptoms of cancer to spot
Cancer symptoms don’t just appear at mealtimes. There are some more general symptoms of cancer to watch out for
These are some of the key signs and symptoms of cancer to look out for, according to Cancer Research UK:
- Very heavy night sweats or fever
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Unexplained pain or ache
- Unexplained weight loss
- An unusual lump or swelling anywhere on your body
- A new mole or changes to a mole
- Skin changes, nail changes, or a sore that won’t heal
If you spot anything that isn’t normal, don’t ignore it, get it checked out.
