Eight red flag signs of cancer that show themselves when you eat

A pancreatic cancer pharmacy ambassador has opened up about the eight signs of cancer that can appear when you eat.

Usually, when we consumer food or drink, not a lot of thought goes into what we're actually putting into our stomachs.

But according to Ade Williams - pharmacist ambassador for Pancreatic Cancer Action - it's something that we should pay close attention to if you unknowingly have cancer.

And the award-winning pharmacist has revealed all of the signs you need to look out for when eating, reports The Sun.

In Britain there is an estimated three million people living with cancer (Getty Stock Images)

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

If you feel increased pain while swallowing food, it might not just be down to a sore throat.

Williams explained: “This can often be mistaken for acid reflux or anxiety-related swallowing issues.

“It can signal oesphageal cancer, throat cancer or stomach cancer.”

Persistent indigestion or heartburn

Again, having a burning sensation in the chest or stomach is not always be down to the food you're eating.

Williams says: “This can be misdiagnosed as acid reflux, gastritis or peptic ulcers, but could signal stomach cancer, oesophageal cancer and pancreatic cancer.”

Feeling full quickly

The health expert warned: “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.”

If you feel increased pain while swallowing food, it could be a sign of cancer (Getty Stock Images)

Nausea or vomiting

Not to get confused with vomiting after a night out drinking, but if you're feeling sick, or being sick frequently, then it could be a sign of something more severe.

Williams 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).”

Unexplained weight loss

Losing weight can be beneficial if you're trying to improve your BMI, for example.

But if you're losing weight with out trying to, Williams 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.”

According to Cancer Research UK, cancer will become 55 percent more prominent worldwide in the next 20 years (Getty Stock Images)

Abdominal pain or discomfort

If you feel pain after eating, it could be a sign of cancer, Williams said.

He added: “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.”

Change in bowel habits

While constipation has recently been linked to heart disease in a new study, Williams also suggests it can be a cancer red flag.

This goes for diarrhoea and changes in stool consistency, too.

Williams 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."

Jaundice

This terms relates to yellowing of skin and eyes, along with dark-coloured urine and pale stools.

Williams concludes: “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.”