An NHS doctor has taken to TikTok to share vital health warnings that should never be dismissed, with the video going viral at over 5.7 million views. Dr Karan Raj, who boasts a hefty 5.3 million followers on the platform, stressed the importance of not overlooking certain symptoms that could signal serious illness.
In the video clip, Dr Raj asserted: “Three health signs you should never ignore.” He claimed: “The last one is something you are never told.”
For the initial red flag, he urged: “Rapidly losing weight without meaning to – go see a doctor.” His next caution concerned skin changes: “A mole quickly changing size, shape and colour – go get it checked out.”
The third tell-tale sign involved digestive disturbances, reports Gloucestershire Live. The NHS surgeon advised: “If your toilet routine has changed for a few weeks and you’re more constipated or have looser stools, get it investigated.”
1. Unintentional weight loss
Addressing unintentional weight loss, the NHS explains that this occurs when there’s a reduction in body weight without changes to diet or physical activity levels – potentially signifying underlying stress or a grave medical condition, including cancer. It’s recommended to consult a GP to rule out any serious problems.
Unintentional weight loss could be sparked by various factors, such as life’s stressful periods including divorce, job loss or the passing of a loved one. Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), can cause weight loss, as can digestive issues like coeliac disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Other health conditions, including an overactive thyroid, type 2 diabetes or heart failure, can also impact weight. However, unexplained weight loss can sometimes be a symptom of cancer.
It’s crucial to seek medical advice if you’re shedding pounds without trying. It can sometimes be the first noticeable symptom of cancers of the oesophagus, pancreas, stomach, and lungs.
Other cancers, such as ovarian cancer, are more likely to cause weight loss when a tumour grows large enough to press on the stomach. According to Cancer Research UK, weight loss is often linked with a loss of appetite.
But this isn’t the only cause. For people with cancer, other causes include: pain, a swollen abdomen, nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing, feeling full due to an enlarged liver, a blocked bowel, high levels of calcium in the blood, and malabsorption of nutrients from food.
2. Changing mole
A changing mole is another potential sign of cancer. Most moles are harmless and tend to change gradually, often becoming raised and lighter in hue.
While some moles remain unchanged, others may gradually fade away. However, as Dr Raj pointed out, a mole that changes in size, shape, or colour over time could be a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Signs to look out for include:
- Asymmetry : One half of the mole doesn’t match the other
- Border : The edges are irregular, notched, ragged, or blurred
- Colour : The colour is uneven, with different shades of brown, black, tan, pink, red, white, or blue
- Diameter : The mole is larger than 6mm across, though some melanomas can be smaller
- Evolving : The mole has changed over the past few weeks or months
- Unique : The mole looks different from the other moles on your skin
If you spot a mole that’s raised, swollen, sore, bleeds, itches, or has a crusty surface, these could be warning signs of melanoma. It’s crucial to have any suspicious moles checked by a doctor immediately.
For a thorough self-examination, use both a full-length and a handheld mirror to view those hard-to-see areas, or enlist the help of a friend or family member. The NHS advises: “UV light from the sun can increase the chance of a mole becoming cancerous. If you have lots of moles, you need to be extra careful in the sun.
“It’s important to check your moles regularly for any changes. There are some things you can do to protect your moles from sun damage, especially during hot weather.”
3. Unusual bowel habits
Occasional changes in bowel habits might not be cause for concern, but if you’re experiencing frequent alterations, it could signal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticular disease, celiac disease, haemorrhoids, or colon polyps. In some instances, these changes could be an early warning sign of cancer.
Bowel habit changes that may point to bowel cancer include diarrhoea, constipation, altered urgency for bowel movements, softer stools, or feeling that the bowel doesn’t completely empty. Other symptoms to watch out for include:
- Blood in or on stool
- Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps
- Weight loss
- A lump in the anus or rectum
- Unexplained fatigue
- Anemia (pale complexion, weakness, and breathlessness)
- Blood in the urine or frequent urination
The NHS states: “Bowel cancer is cancer found anywhere in the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum. It’s one of the most common types of cancer in the UK.”
Bowel cancer often doesn’t present symptoms in its early stages, making regular screenings vital. Both men and women of average risk should have a colonoscopy every ten years, starting at age 45.
If you’re experiencing persistent gastrointestinal issues, it’s crucial to seek medical advice promptly. Risk factors for bowel cancer include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Eating a diet high in red and processed meat
- Eating a diet low in fibre
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Getting older
- Having a family history of bowel cancer
- Having inflammatory bowel disease
If you have any worries, are noticing any of the symptoms mentioned in this article or are uncertain, consult your GP. While not all cases result in a cancer diagnosis, it’s always better to get checked out sooner rather than later. An early cancer diagnosis can lead to improved survival rates, more treatment options, and a better quality of life.
