![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/GettyImages-2148729892-b9aa.jpg\")
\n\t\tEarly warning signs of cancer are often overlooked (Picture: Getty)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tEarly warning signs of cancer are often overlooked (Picture: Getty)<\/p>\n
When your health<\/a> feels slightly \u2018off\u2019 for weeks on end, it\u2019s easy to put it down to stress, getting older<\/a> or a lingering bug.<\/p>\n But according to Dr Jiri Kubes, radiation oncologist and medical director at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague<\/a>, this can mean potential signs of cancer<\/a> are missed.<\/p>\n Cases of the disease are on the rise, with more than 403,000 people now diagnosed with cancer each year; equal to around 1,100 every day, or one person every 80 seconds.<\/p>\n Despite this, Dr Kubes says many people still believe it always causes obvious symptoms in its early stages, and may end up delaying vital treatment by ignoring subtler changes.<\/p>\n \u2018Cancer doesn\u2019t always announce itself dramatically, and many of the early warning signs<\/a> are vague and easily explained by more common conditions,\u2019 he tells Metro.<\/p>\n \u2018The important thing isn\u2019t to become anxious about every cough or ache, but to pay attention to symptoms that persist, keep returning or simply don\u2019t feel normal for you.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t Although he notes \u2018one symptom on its own rarely points to cancer\u2019, the specialist is urging people not to dismiss ongoing problems<\/a> \u2014 however small they may seem.<\/p>\n \u2018In many cases they\u2019ll turn out to have a harmless explanation, but if something more serious is going on, getting it checked early gives us the best possible chance of diagnosing and treating it successfully,\u2019 Dr Kubes adds.<\/p>\n Wondering what to look out for? These are the three of the most commonly-overlooked issues that could indicate cancer.<\/p>\n Persistent fatigue<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tAsk Metro<\/p>\n Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about \u2013 powered by Metro and trusted publications.<\/p>\n Feeling exhausted after a hectic week or sleepless night<\/a> is perfectly normal, but fatigue that doesn\u2019t improve after rest, or which affects your ability to work, exercise or carry out everyday activities, is a red flag for doctors.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tWhat would you do if you experienced persistent unusual symptoms?<\/p>\n See a doctor immediately to check them out.Check<\/p>\n Wait and see if they go away on their own.Check<\/p>\n Ignore them, they’re probably not serious.Check<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tSign up to Metro’s The Slice newsletter for your guide to what’s on in London, with trusted reviews, offers and giveaways.<\/p>\n Dr Kubes explains: \u2018Cancer-related fatigue is often described as an overwhelming exhaustion that doesn\u2019t improve with sleep.<\/p>\n \u2018There are many possible explanations, including anaemia, thyroid disorders, infections and poor sleep, but persistent fatigue<\/a> should always be discussed with your GP if it isn\u2019t improving.\u2019<\/p>\n A cough that won\u2019t go away<\/p>\n \u2018A persistent cough doesn\u2019t automatically mean cancer,\u2019 highlights Dr Kubes. \u2018In fact, there are many more common causes.\u2019<\/p>\n However, since most coughs linked to colds and viral infections clear up within a few weeks, one that doesn\u2019t go away<\/a> or gradually worsens past this point warrants a trip to the GP.<\/p>\n If it\u2019s also accompanied by breathlessness, chest pain or coughing up blood, you should seek urgent medical assistance.<\/p>\n \t\t While losing weight is a goal for many<\/a>, if your diet or routine is the same as before but the number on the scales isn\u2019t, it can be an indication something isn\u2019t right \u2014 and something your doctor will want to investigate.<\/p>\n \u2018If you\u2019re losing weight despite eating normally and haven\u2019t intentionally changed your lifestyle, it\u2019s important to understand why,\u2019 says the cancer specialist.<\/p>\n \u2018Often there will be another explanation, but it\u2019s not something that should simply be overlooked.\u2019<\/p>\n Dr Kubes adds: \u2018The important thing is persistence. If something continues for several weeks, keeps returning or simply doesn\u2019t feel right for you, it\u2019s always worth getting checked rather than assuming it will eventually go away.\u2019<\/p>\n Do you have a story you\u2019d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/GettyImages-2220249230-a3bc.jpg\")
\n\t\tNo matter how small they may seem, persistent symptoms warrant further investigation (Picture: Getty)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/GettyImages-2204780726-233d.jpg\")
\n\t\tMost coughs won\u2019t last longer than a few weeks (Picture: Getty Images)
\nUnexplained weight loss<\/p>\n
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