An oncology specialist warned against ignoring vague and transient symptoms that may be early signs of cancer and emphasized the need for early diagnosis.
According to the Russian health website Lenta.ru, Dr. Rasul Akhmaev, an oncology specialist, stated that recurrent infections, persistent cough, and unexplained fatigue are among the symptoms that should not be ignored and may require medical examination.
Gastrointestinal symptoms and unexplained weight loss
Akhmaev noted that in early stages, symptoms such as digestive disturbances and loss of appetite may appear along with general weakness or persistent discomfort. According to him, rapid and unexplained weight loss, especially a loss of 10 to 15 kilograms within two months, is a warning sign that should be taken seriously and may occur in some types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.
This warning aligns with existing scientific findings. Based on data published in the Journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, among patients with pancreatic cancer, more than 71 percent had lost more than 5 percent of their body weight in the year before diagnosis. This study indicates that unexplained weight loss can be a practical and low-cost marker for early detection of pancreatic cancer. Earlier research also shows that weight loss was the most common initial complaint in more than 79 percent of cases in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Night sweats and connection with lymphoma
Akhmaev also pointed to severe night sweats as one of the symptoms that may vary depending on the type of tumor, and identified lymphoma as one of the cancers that can be associated with this sign. This is confirmed by reputable medical sources as well. The Mayo Clinic lists severe night sweats (to the extent that a person must change their sheets) as a symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma and other types of lymphoma. Hematology specialists also describe this type of sweating as "drenching," causing the person to change clothes and bedding during the night.
List of warning signs according to reputable sources
The MSD medical guide, which is one of the authoritative sources on disease symptoms, provides a list of cancer warning signs that includes: unexplained weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, loss of appetite, new and persistent pain, recurrent nausea or vomiting, blood in the urine or stool, change in bowel habits, recurrent fever, chronic cough, change in size or color of a mole, a sore that does not heal, and enlargement of lymph nodes.
Emphasis on early diagnosis
In conclusion, Akhmaev emphasized the importance of not ignoring persistent and unexplained changes in health status and undergoing appropriate medical examinations. According to him, early diagnosis of cancer can significantly increase the chances of controlling it and limiting the spread of the disease. This advice aligns with the general principles of modern oncology: the earlier cancer is detected, the more effective the treatment options and the higher the likelihood of recovery.