A doctor has urged people to watch his video on spotting cancer symptoms, saying it could “save a life”. Oncology specialist Doctor Tim Tiutan warned of five common but “ambiguous” signs of the disease that could be easily missed.
Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and divide in an uncontrolled way, spreading to surrounding tissues and organs.
There are more than 200 types of cancer that can affect the human body, with the telltale symptoms often linked to where in the body the disease is.
However, there are other signs that are less specific and could be mistaken for something else.
With this in mind, Dr Tuitan explained in a TikTok video: “I’m an oncology hospitalist who treats cancer patients. Please share this with someone cause it can save a life.
“Although cancers can present in different ways, including without any symptoms at all, here are some common signs.”
Weight loss
Dr Tuitan listed “losing weight unintentionally” as a potential red flag for cancer.
Cancer Research UK says that weight loss is “common” in people with cancer. “It might be one of the reasons why you first go to the doctor,” the charity says.
It could be due to a loss of appetite caused by the cancer but could also be linked to pain, a swollen tummy, feeling and being sick, a blocked bowel and not being able to absorb nutrients from food, alongside other side effects of cancer.
Fatigue
“Constantly” feeling tired despite sleeping is another cancer symptom shared by Dr Tuitan.
NHS Inform warns that nine out of ten people with cancer will experience some level of fatigue.
Night sweats and fever
Dr Tuitan said that “having chronic night sweats and fevers” is another sign of cancer.
The NHS describes this as when you sweat so much that your night clothes and bedding are “soaking wet”, even though where you’re sleeping is cool.
Lumps
If you feel lumps in the body like in a chest or neck you should get these checked, he said.
The NHS adds that if it’s noticeably increasing in size on your body you should speak to your GP.
Blood in stool
This could be caused by rectal bleeding, which is a symptom of bowel cancer and anal cancer.
Dr Tuitan added: “Due to the ambiguity, it’s important to follow up with your health providers to do a work up if needed.”