Health experts urge early detection of cancer symptoms

Doctors stress that many early signs of cancer are subtle and can be mistaken for common ailments. Persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest, unexplained weight loss, a chronic cough, abnormal lumps, unexplained bleeding, changes in bowel or bladder habits, difficulty swallowing, persistent hoarseness, non‑healing ulcers or changing moles are all symptoms that should prompt a medical check‑up. Dr. Jiri Kubes, a radiation‑oncology specialist at the Proton Therapy Center in the Czech Republic, warns that such symptoms lasting several weeks merit professional evaluation. Prof. Nguyen Chấn Hùng, honorary president of the Vietnam Cancer Association, cites Globocan 2024 data showing over 20.6 million new cancer cases worldwide and more than 9.7 million deaths, with Vietnam alone recording about 177 000 new cases and 111 000 deaths. He notes that early detection can raise five‑year survival rates above 90 % for many cancers and highlights both symptom awareness and targeted screening programmes for breast, cervical, lung, colorectal, liver, stomach and prostate cancers. Both experts advise that even if a symptom is not definitively linked to cancer, timely consultation improves diagnosis and treatment outcomes.