A woman has shared all of the cancer symptoms that she ignored before her diagnosis, and they're quite eye-opening.
Amy Lou is a TikToker who has shared her health journey with followers on the social media app, with one video going viral for highlighting things to look out for with people who might be dismissing tell-tale signs of the disease.
The self-described stay-at-home-mum and wife makes a lot of family and lifestyle related content on her page, but her videos that documents her battle with cancer get more attention, as fans keep up with her progress.
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It is estimated by the National Cancer Institute that there were almost 20 million new cancer cases across the world in 2022, acting as one of the main causes of death to this day.
Medical experts have previously weighed in on 'red flags' to look out for that could indicate the horrible disease, but individuals tend to have their own experiences - sometimes lesser known - that they want people to be aware of.
Amy is one of these people, as the content creator has revealed the eight things that she dismissed as nothing significant, before being diagnosed with Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma (Thyroid Cancer).
Weekly migraines
Amy said that she thought all she needed to do was eat better, but it turns out that if they're recurring and along with other symptoms, they can be a symptom of cancer and you should see your GP immediately.
Night sweats with chills
Attributing it to PMS, Amy missed that this can be a sing of cancer, or even cancer treatments, but if it's recurring, it's worth getting it checked by an expert.
Always tired and fatigued
Amy claimed: "I just need a better bedtime routine," but consistent fatigue, physical, mental or emotional, won't go away with a good sleep.
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Known as an early symptom of cancer, it is one of the most common signs, especially for thyroid cancer.
Flu-like symptoms
Thinking it was just her weak immune system, it is a symptom of the disease as cancer can limit the production of white blood cells, leaving your body exposed to bacteria and viruses.
Cancer cells ultimately do this by attacking bone marrow, where white blood cells are produced.
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Neck pain
Amy thought this could be 'another ear infection', but it is a telling sign of thyroid, brain, spinal cord or jaw cancer especially, rarely giving away signs of other types of cancer.
Hoarse and weak voice
Blaming it on her advancing age, it is known as a well-known sign of laryngeal cancer, it can indicate cancer again, in nearby areas.
Constantly feeling cold
"I just need to exercise better," Amy claimed, but cancer can cause chills and rigours, and it's recommended that you have a shower and drink plenty of fluids before seeing a professional, if it persists.
Heart palpitations
Amy wrongly assumed that she needed more anxiety meds to deal with this, but it's important that people don't jump to this solution straight away.
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Heart palpitations are a common complaint among cancer patients, and can feel like flutter in the chest, a skipped beat or a constant pounding.
They can be benign, but if they are constant, it can be a sign of abnormal health rhythms and worth a visit to your GP.
Joshua Nair