Cancer often presents in subtle ways, which makes symptoms awareness front and centre. According to a doctor, your behaviour during mealtimes could reveal more than just your food preferences. Warning signs of the deadly condition could also crop up when you’re about to eat.
Whether you eat on the go or devour your food in front of the computer, there’s not always time to have a proper sit-down meal.
From stress to your surroundings, there are various factors that could influence how you eat and how big your appetite is.
However, frequent meal problems, including anorexia, dysphagia and feeling full quickly, could be pointing to cancer, according to Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy.
Anorexia
Dr Lee said: “Anorexia, or loss of appetite, is one of the most common cancer symptoms.
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“You don’t feel hungry at mealtimes, or can only face eating a small amount.
“This is especially concerning if you have any other symptoms, such as weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.”
The doctor explained it could be caused by just about any cancer, with around 50 percent of cancer patients struggling with this sign.
However, anorexia is most common with pancreatic cancer, upper gastrointestinal tract cancers and lung cancer.
Dysphagia
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can make you feel like your food gets stuck on its way down.
You can also start choking or gagging during your meals, with dribble coming out of your mouth.
Dr Lee explained that this sign can make you chew and swallow your food for longer and prompt you to make funny noises when you eat or drink.
She added that this sign could be pointing to cancer of the following:
- Oesophagus
- Mouth and tongue
- Larynx
- Thyroid
- Skin
- Nasal cavity and sinuses.
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Feeling full quickly after meals
Feeling full quickly after meals often comes hand in hand with anorexia, leaving your tummy feeling uncomfortable.
Dr Lee said: “You feel full after eating perhaps half of your meal. [And] your stomach feels distended.
“It’s especially worrying if there are any other symptoms, such as feeling or being sick, abdominal pain, heartburn or bloating.”
This red flag sign is “typical” for ovarian cancer but can also point to cancers of the pancreas and stomach.
If you experience any of these three cancer signs, you should “see your GP”, according to the doctor.
Dr Lee added: “They will arrange any necessary tests and refer you as appropriate to the hospital for more investigations.
“Don’t leave it. The quicker you are, the greater the chance of a good outcome.
“Despite the pressures on the NHS, if you have these symptoms, you must come forward for help.”
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