Doctor explains easily missed symptoms of cancer that was ‘very rare’ but now on the rise

A doctor has explained some of the easily missed symptoms of a cancer that's 'rising in young people'.

Dr Ahmed - who goes by @dra_says on TikTok - took to the platform where he spoke about the illness and some of the signs to watch out for.

"This cancer is on the rise," he said. "It's predicted over the next five years, this cancer is going to increase in incidence more than any other type of cancer.

"This cancer is getting more common I am seeing it more often, but previously it was very rare."

Dr Ahmed explained the cancer he was referring to in the video is thyroid cancer, which is found in the thyroid gland.

The thyroid gland is located at the lower part of your neck. It makes and releases hormones that help with digestion, the heart and muscles.

Dr Ahmed explained there are symptoms you need to look out for. These are:

• A lump in the lower part of your neck that may start off small and get larger over time. It is usually painless
• Having a hoarse or croaky voice for more than four weeks
• Having a sore throat that goes on for longer than four to six weeks

"Sometimes with thyroid cancer, you can't always feel a lump, but you may feel something pressing on your throat, or if it's painful when you swallow," said Dr Ahmed.

"Because the thyroid gland produces thyroxine, which has many effects all over the body, there are other symptoms you need to be aware of as well.

"If you've got a new, persistently red flushed face, if you've got looser stools than normal, any weight loss or a persistant cough.

"If you've got any of these symptoms, it doesn't mean you've got thyroid cancer, although it is increasing a lot, it is still very rare in the UK. If you've got any of these symptoms, please go and get them checked out."

Since Dr Ahmed shared the clip, people have been taking to the comments to discuss their own experiences.

One person wrote: "I had absolutely no symptoms except a tiny lump when I pressed into my neck. Docs wanted to wa

One person wrote: "I had absolutely no symptoms except a tiny lump when I pressed into my neck. Docs wanted to watch and wait. So glad I pushed for removal because it ended up being cancer."

While another said: "I had thyroid cancer. My only symptom was I was losing a lot of my hair and the hair I did have was fuzzy so I went to a dermatologist to get some lab work and then that’s how I found out."

If you are concerned about thyroid cancer, please book an appointment to see your GP.

You can find more information on thyroid cancer here.