As people age, aches and discomfort are common. However, not all negative health changes can be attributed to aging or life's pressures. Oncology experts warn that some seemingly harmless symptoms can sometimes be signs of more serious illnesses, including cancer.
According to the New York Post, Doctor Jad Chahoud, an oncologist at Orlando Health Cancer Institute, stated in an interview that: For example, older adults tend to blame aging rather than illness when they notice changes in their bodies. Consequently, they often take longer to realize that a symptom might be serious.
Doctor Chahoud shared that many patients, looking back, realized their symptoms had actually appeared weeks or months before a formal diagnosis. However, at the time, they ignored them, believing they were due to aging, stress, overwork, old injuries, menopause, or other common causes.
"We don't need to panic about every symptom, but we must never ignore persistent changes. If a new symptom appears, has no clear cause, and lasts for more than a few weeks, you should definitely seek a thorough medical check-up," Doctor Chahoud advised.
Below are the 5 warning signs Doctor Chahoud shared, which are most easily overlooked by the public:
Chronic fatigue
Feelings of exhaustion, weakness, or brain fog are often attributed to busy schedules, immense pressure, or simply old age. However, persistent and unexplained fatigue can sometimes be linked to certain types of cancer, including colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, as well as blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
Doctor Chahoud pointed out that a key dangerous sign is that this fatigue is not proportional to your physical activity level, the symptom tends to worsen over time, and it does not improve no matter how much you rest.
Unexplained weight loss
Some people might be pleased by unexpected weight loss, or assume that as they get older and their appetite decreases, weight loss is a natural phenomenon.
However, Doctor Chahoud emphasized that unintentional weight loss, without active dieting or weight reduction efforts, can be an early warning sign of many types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, and colorectal cancer. If body weight decreases by 5% or more within 6 to 12 months without a clear cause, the patient needs immediate medical evaluation.
 |
Illustration of cancer cells. Photo: luismmolina |
Changes in bowel habits
Doctor Chahoud reminded that bowel issues can also be a warning sign of colorectal cancer and should never be taken lightly.
Signs include changes in the shape, size, consistency, or frequency of bowel movements. Specifically, "pencil-thin stools" can indicate a tumor growing in the lower colon or inside the intestine, causing an obstruction.
Urinary tract symptoms
Frequent urination, regularly waking up at night to use the restroom, or discovering blood in the urine... these symptoms are usually attributed to an enlarged prostate or simply aging. However, they can absolutely be indicators of bladder cancer, kidney cancer, or prostate cancer. Patients must consult with professional medical personnel.
Persistent body aches or back pain
Doctor Chahoud warned that while most aches and pains are not cancer-related, persistent pain or sharp pain that gradually increases over time can sometimes be linked to cancer cells that have invaded bones, kidneys, the pancreas, or other organs in the body.
My Y (According to SETN)
