Oncology: 1 in 3 people don't know they have cancer – symptoms to look out for

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One in three patients is diagnosed with cancer after a single visit to the emergency room with pain or severe symptoms. “This really shouldn't have happened,” said Dr. Xand van Tulleken.

Discussing the latest research from University College London (UCL), Dr. Xand highlighted warning signs that people should not ignore.

“There are many things to consider,” Dr. Xand began. “Some of them are quite obvious; I hope we all know about them.” One such sign, for example, is a lump in the breast, which can be a sign of cancer.

Speaking about his own experience of possibly identifying a tumor, Dr. Xand describes how “scary” it can be.

“I think the main reason people don't like to think about cancer symptoms is because because it's so scary,” said Dr. Xand.

Recounting his personal experience, the doctor said he had a lump in his nose for “quite a long time.”

” I mentioned this to my mother, who said: You should see a doctor. And I called my brother and said, This is ridiculous. Mom thinks I should see a doctor, I mean, I'm a doctor! “And my brother said, 'Yeah, no. You should go to the doctor.”

After going to the doctor, Dr. Xand now has a biopsy next week to check for cancer cells.

“It's very easy to bury your head in the sand about these things. ,” the doctor admitted.

He urges anyone concerned about a minor health problem to notify their doctor if they suspect it may be cancer. Since more than one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, early diagnosis is crucial.