Gulf War Veterans “Aging” Faster
The 8 Red Flag Signs Of Killer Cancer You Might Spot While Eating Dinner Revealed
CANCER symptoms can be difficult to spot because they can be similar to other conditions and often occur inside the body so aren't easily visible.
But spotting symptoms early is very important - the earlier you find cancer, the easier it is to treat.
2
Feeling full after only eating a small amount of food could be a tell-tale sign of cancerWhile it might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you're tucking into your favourite meal, symptoms of some cancers could appear during breakfast, lunch and dinner.
These symptoms might initially be mistaken for less serious conditions, such as acid reflux or heartburn, which often delays diagnosis.
Yet according to Ade Williams, pharmacist ambassador for Pancreatic Cancer Action, a variety of digestive issues can be caused by pancreatic cancer - the deadliest form of the disease.
Here, he reveals some common symptoms to look out for during mealtimes, potential misinterpretations, and the cancers they might signal.
1. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)Pain or discomfort when swallowing and feeling like food is stuck in the throat or chest is one symptom to watch out for.
Ade said: "This can often be mistaken for acid reflux or anxiety-related swallowing issues.
"It can signal oesphageal cancer, throat cancer or stomach cancer."
2. Persistent indigestion or heartburnA burning sensation in the chest or stomach, bloating, frequent burping can also indicate cancer.
Most read in Health
POX THREAT
Lethal mpox found in Europe is 'mutating into new strains faster than expected'
ARMS UP
Millions offered life-saving jab new free on the NHS next week - are you eligible?
MY AGONY
My son's palpitations were dismissed as anxiety - now docs say they can't save him
'GASLIT'
Woman, 27, told pain was 'part of being female' diagnosed with cancerAde said: "This can be misdiagnosed as acid reflux, gastritis or peptic ulcers, but could signal stomach cancer, oesophageal cancer and pancreatic cancer."
3. Feeling full quicklyFeeling full after eating only a small amount of food is another symptom to note.
Time-lapse video of 'red mark' morphing into cancerAde advised: "This could be put down to IBS, peptic ulcers, or poor appetite.
"But this is often an early symptom of pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer and stomach cancer."
4. Nausea or vomitingYou should also be wary of frequent nausea, vomiting soon after meals, or vomiting blood.
Ade warned: "People may think they have food poisoning, gastritis, or even migraines.
"This is also an early symptom of pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer and brain tumours (which can affect the vomiting centre in the brain)."
2
Difficulty swallowing can signal oesphageal cancer, throat cancer, and stomach cancerCredit: Getty 5. Unexplained weight lossLosing weight without trying, often despite normal or reduced appetite can be a sign of many different types of cancer.
Ade said: "This could be associated with stress, hyperthyroidism, or dietary changes.
"This is also indicative of many different cancers, including stomach, pancreatic cancer, oesophageal, and lung cancer."
6. Abdominal pain or discomfortPersistent or severe pain in the abdomen, particularly after eating can also occur in cases of cancer.
Ade said: "It's often perceived as gallstones, IBS, or peptic ulcers.
"But this is a very common symptom of pancreatic cancer, especially if it gets worse when you lie down, liver cancer, stomach cancer and bowel cancer."
7. Change in bowel habitsDiarrhoea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency, especially if found shortly after eating is another red flag.
Ade said: "Many people interpret this as IBS, lactose intolerance, or dietary changes.
"But it is often an early symptom for pancreatic cancer, notably, if the stools are pale, fatty and difficult to flush."
Changes to your bowel habits, either going more often or less frequently than your 'normal' can also be a warning sign of bowel or stomach cancer.
8. JaundiceWatch out for yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and pale stools, particularly after eating fatty foods.
Ade said: "This is often mistaken for hepatitis, gallstones, or liver disease.
"But this is also an early symptom of pancreatic cancer, liver cancer and bile duct cancer."
DON'T DELAY... GET CHECKEDMany of these symptoms are non-specific and can be caused by a variety of benign conditions like acid reflux, IBS, or stress.
This overlap can make it difficult to distinguish between a harmless issue and a serious underlying cancer, especially in the early stages when symptoms are mild or intermittent.
Ade cautioned: "Many people will go to their local pharmacy to grab a packet of indigestion or diarrhoea tablets as they do not think it is worth bothering their GP about.
"We would prefer they have a word with the pharmacist while they are there.
"As pharmacists we can refer patients should we think necessary.
"We also advise anyone suffering with any of the above symptoms for 10 days or more to speak to a healthcare professional.
"If the symptoms have not gotten better within 10 days, this could signal something more sinister."
If you experience any symptoms of cancer book an appointment with your GP.
Key signs and symptoms of cancer to spot
Cancer symptoms don't just appear at mealtimes. There are some more general symptoms of cancer to watch out for
These are some of the key signs and symptoms of cancer to look out for, according to Cancer Research UK:
If you spot anything that isn't normal, don't ignore it, get it checked out.
Heart Attack And Heartburn Have Similar Symptoms, Look Out For These 7 Key Differences
Heart attacks and heartburn can appear similar because both can cause chest pain, a symptom that is often alarming. Heart attack pain stems from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, presenting as a crushing or squeezing sensation that may radiate to the arms, neck, or back. Heartburn, caused by stomach acid irritating the oesophagus, produces a burning pain in the chest that can mimic heart attack symptoms. The overlap in pain location and sensation, especially when heartburn is severe, can lead to confusion, making it challenging to distinguish between the two without medical evaluation. Heart attacks and heartburn can have similar symptoms but are distinct conditions. According to Cardiologist Dr Priyanka Mathur from Vinayak Hospital, Indore, here are seven key differences.
Cause:
Story continues below Advertisement
Heart attack: A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked by a clot or buildup of plaque, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching a part of the heart. This lack of oxygen leads to the death of heart muscle tissue, which can cause permanent damage if not treated quickly, potentially leading to fatal consequences.
Heartburn: Heartburn is caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus, a condition known as acid reflux. This occurs when the lower oesophagal sphincter, a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the oesophagus and stomach, doesn't close properly. The acid irritates the oesophagus, leading to the characteristic burning sensation.
Pain location:
Heart attack: The discomfort of a heart attack often starts in the centre of the chest, feeling like a heavy, tight, or crushing sensation. It can spread to other areas, such as the left arm, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, mimicking indigestion. This widespread pain often leads to confusion between heart attacks and other conditions like heartburn.
Heartburn: Heartburn typically presents as a localised burning pain just behind the breastbone or in the upper abdomen. Unlike heart attack pain, it does not radiate to other parts of the body. The pain from heartburn often occurs after eating and can worsen when lying down or bending over, making it easier to distinguish from a heart attack.
Type of pain:
Story continues below Advertisement
Heart attack: The pain during a heart attack is often described as pressure, squeezing, or a tightness that can be intense and persistent. This discomfort may also be accompanied by a feeling of fullness or indigestion, leading some to mistakenly think they have heartburn. The pain is typically unrelieved by rest or changing position, indicating the severity.
Heartburn: The sensation of heartburn is a burning or discomfort that feels like it starts in the stomach and rises up into the chest. This pain is usually more annoying than severe and can be alleviated by antacids or lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods. Unlike heart attack pain, it doesn't usually involve pressure or tightness.
Duration:
Heart attack: Heart attack symptoms typically last longer than a few minutes and can persist or come in waves over several hours. The pain does not go away with rest and can intensify over time. Persistent or worsening symptoms are a clear indication that medical help is needed immediately to prevent significant heart damage or death.
Heartburn: Heartburn pain usually comes on after eating and lasts from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of the reflux. The burning sensation may ease with antacids or positional changes, such as sitting up or standing. Unlike a heart attack, heartburn pain typically subsides and does not return without a trigger.
Also see: 5 reasons why eating dinner just before bed time could mess with your health
Triggering factors:
Heart attack: Heart attacks can occur unpredictably, though they are often triggered by physical exertion, intense emotional stress, or even rest. Other risk factors include high cholesterol, smoking, and hypertension. In some cases, heart attacks may happen without any obvious cause, which can make them particularly dangerous if not promptly recognised.
Heartburn: Heartburn is often triggered by specific foods and drinks, such as spicy foods, fatty meals, alcohol, and caffeine. It can also be brought on by overeating, lying down after a meal, or wearing tight clothing. Understanding these triggers can help individuals manage their symptoms by making dietary and lifestyle adjustments to reduce the frequency and severity.
Associated symptoms:
Heart attack: A heart attack is often accompanied by additional symptoms like shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom. These symptoms occur because the heart is struggling to pump blood effectively. Women may experience more subtle symptoms, such as fatigue or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or upper back, making diagnosis challenging.
Heartburn: The primary symptom of heartburn is the burning sensation in the chest, but it can also cause a sour taste in the mouth, especially if acid reaches the throat. Regurgitation of food or liquid is common, and while uncomfortable, it usually doesn't involve the systemic symptoms seen in a heart attack. These differences help distinguish between the two conditions.
Response to treatment:
Heart attack: Immediate treatment for a heart attack is critical and typically involves medications like aspirin, nitroglycerin, and clot-busting drugs, along with emergency procedures like angioplasty. Delay in treatment can lead to severe heart damage or death. Recognising symptoms and seeking urgent medical help can be life-saving, as time is of the essence.
Heartburn: Heartburn can often be managed at home with over-the-counter antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or H2 blockers, which reduce stomach acid production. Avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and not lying down immediately after eating can also help. Unlike heart attacks, heartburn does not require emergency care unless it's severe or persistent, which may indicate a more serious condition.
Nivedita is a Delhi-based journalist who writes on health, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment. Views expressed are personal.
Man Feels 'Sharp Pain' While Eating Taco Bell—Then Sees What's In His Food
A Taco Bell customer has horrified the internet after revealing that he bit into something sharp while eating his food—only to discover that he'd almost swallowed someone's piercing.
On July 24, Suffolk, Virginia, resident Jeremy ordered two steak cheesy street chalupas from Taco Bell. With only a few bites of his food left, he told Newsweek that he was about to swallow when he felt "something sharp" hit the back of his throat.
The 33-year-old managed to clear it from his throat, and he tried to bite into the object again, only to get it lodged in between his molars. He spat the item out and was disgusted by the realization that he'd been chewing on a person's nose piercing.
More From Newsweek Vault: Earn up to 5% Cash Back on Takeout and Restaurant Spending
"The nose ring, now slightly bent from the bite, got pushed to the front of my mouth, and I spit it out. It took a small bit of my filling with it, and [I felt] a small sharp pain from the bite," he said.
"I was in pure shock when I realized what it was. I looked at my wife, and she looked over and couldn't say anything."
Jeremy holding the small metal nose piercing he found inside his Taco Bell delivery. Jeremy said he almost choked on the piercing and felt sick for two days after. Jeremy holding the small metal nose piercing he found inside his Taco Bell delivery. Jeremy said he almost choked on the piercing and felt sick for two days after. TheeSqueebles / RedditNewsweek reached out to Taco Bell for comment, which provided the following statement: "We take this very seriously. We are looking into this matter and strive to make things right with the customer."
Jeremy adds that he "felt sick for two days" afterward and is still suffering from a sore throat as a result.
So disgusted by the discovery in his food, Jeremy took to Reddit (u/TheeSqueebles) and shared several pictures of the nose piercing on r/mildlyinfuriating. The post generated over 45,000 votes and 4,200 comments since it was shared on July 24.
"I decided to share it online because I thought it was so egregious that others would like to see it," Jeremy told Newsweek.
He contacted the local branch of Taco Bell immediately after finding the piercing in his takeout food, but he said the manager seemed "mostly unbothered" and didn't take responsibility. He was told that the piercing couldn't have come from their kitchen and that they'd be in touch with him.
The metal nose piercing that was found inside a Taco Bell food order in Suffolk, Virginia. The customer felt it was so disgusting and poorly handled that he decided to share it on Reddit. The metal nose piercing that was found inside a Taco Bell food order in Suffolk, Virginia. The customer felt it was so disgusting and poorly handled that he decided to share it on Reddit. TheeSqueebles / Reddit"I just wish the manager had a bit more integrity and would take responsibility for this. It very clearly was an employee who made a mistake, but instead, they used the rhetoric that it wasn't their fault. But who else could it be? If not the store, then the distribution center, maybe, but that's less believable to me," Jeremy said.
"Even if Taco Bell reaches out, they'll likely just offer gift cards or coupons, but why on Earth would I want to eat there again? A metal nose ring from another human was in my throat, and I almost choked—yet I'll be offered free tacos.
"There's no accountability, and no reason I'd want free tacos for mental and physical pain, no matter how small," he said.
With over 4,200 comments on the viral Reddit post so far, internet users were appalled by the discovery.
One comment reads: "And this is why we're usually not allowed to wear jewelry in food service."
Another person wrote: "I am traumatized on your behalf."
"Disgusting. It's evident they sneezed right in your food," a Redditor commented.
Newsweek's "What Should I Do?" offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.Com. We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work and your story could be featured on WSID at Newsweek.
Comments
Post a Comment