An early diagnosis of cancer can be extremely beneficial in treating the disease and increasing the rate of survival among those who suffer the condition.
Some cancers cannot be diagnosed early, but some can be spotted through some unusual warning signs that many people would confuse for another ailment.
As reported by Wales Online, some cancers have 'silent' symptoms - meaning that they don't show the typical signs that would indicate that the disease is prominent within the body.
Spotting these symptoms and speaking to a GP can be hugely beneficial in helping health professionals diagnose you quicker and treat the disease early on.
Dr Alexandra Oliver, associate clinical director at Bupa Health Clinics (bupa.co.uk), told The Independent: “Many people are aware of the obvious signs of cancer, such as a new lump or a change to a mole.
"However, other symptoms may be less obvious, but it’s still important that people are aware of them.
“In most cases, it’s likely to be nothing serious, but making sure you get checked out by a doctor if you have any symptoms, particularly persistent ones, is essential."
Read on below for the seven 'silent' symptoms of cancer that should be checked out by a health professional and not ignored.
Fatigue
While it is totally normal to be burnt out after a long day and feel tired, a constant feeling of exhaustion is not something to be shrugged off.
A good night's sleep is usually enough to energise most people, but those who feel a constant sense of tiredness and exhaustion should be going to the GP with this symptom.
Night sweats
Night sweats can be a common occurrence for people with certain conditions, such as those who are going through the menopause, or on certain anti-depressant medication.
However, Dr Oliver has said that some cancers, such as bone cancer, liver cancer and leukemia can be associated with the symptom of night sweats.
Constant heartburn and/or indigestion
Indigestion and heartburn often happen after eating certain types of food - such as dishes that are high in fat - or can be more common in those who are pregnant, overweight or who smoke.
Dr Oliver explained that if someone is constantly experiencing either of these symptoms, it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, a hiatus hernia, oesophageal cancer or stomach cancer.
She noted that if this is persisting, then you should speak to your GP.
Mouth ulcers that last longer than three weeks
A mouth ulcer can be caused by a plethora of reasons - from ill-fitting dentures to a change in medication and even damage caused by brushing too hard.
However, Susie Lloyd, from Bupa Dental Care, said if a mouth ulcer hasn't healed after three weeks you should seek help as it could be mouth cancer.
Persistent hoarse throat
Hoarseness can be caused by an overuse of the voice or a dry and sore throat.
Dr Oliver has confirmed that if this hoarse voice lasts for more than 10 days, there is a chance it could be an underlying condition such as laryngeal cancer.
Constant bloating
Bloating, much like indigestion or heartburn, can be extremely common and can happen during a period, or straight after you have eaten.
It is even more common in those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, there is a small chance that bloating of this nature could be a sign of gynaecological or bowel cancer.
If you start to feel persistently bloated and haven't before, visit your doctor.
Persistent cough
A cough is an extremely normal and common thing, and many people suffer from a dry or itchy throat every day.
However, a cough that lasts longer than three weeks could be a sign of lung cancer, and if you are worried, then you should speak to a health professional.
You can find out more about cancer symptoms on the NHS website.
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