You may be aware of certain things that can cause cancer, such as smoking excessively, drinking alcohol excessively, your diet, the usual things you make sure to watch.
However, do you know how to identify symptoms of the disease?
There are ways to identify it before it gets too serious, and there are even some simple ways to tell during or after a meal.
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Current research shows that there is more than 200 different types of cancer, though some display more prominent symptoms than others.
Every year, there are 393,000 new cases of cancer, with every one in two people expected to develop a form of it in their lifetime.
It makes a colossal difference if people spot cancer earlier rather than later, which can be a literal lifesaver - it highlights the importance of being aware of the symptoms.
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If you experience any of the listed symptoms, it is essential that you visit your GP as soon as you can.
MacMillan cancer support are the leading British charity that supports cancer patients and their families, and they have pointed out the three symptoms you should look out for during meal times.
Loss of appetite
If you regularly feel like you aren't eating as much, or if you feel like you are getting full quicker than normal more than normal, you should see your GP.
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It's something that can easily be overlooked, but if you have noticed it for weeks on end, it's worth a check-up.
Chewing and/or swallowing problems
Something that is a lot more noticeable and easier to single out is any problems you may have in chewing and swallowing your meals.
If you are undergoing regular pain to ingest your food, you should seek medical help.
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Indigestion and heartburn
I know this might be common after a large or spicy meal, but if heartburn and indigestion continues for the majority of days over three weeks, it is important that you see a GP to see if it's anything serious.
Other things to look out for
It is also advised that dinner time is one of the key times in the day to look out for any of these problems.
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If you have been suffering from a bloated or swollen tummy, it might be a sign of cancer, with it being a symptom for many conditions such as ovary or fallopian tube cancer.
Macmillan also ask people to keep tabs on their bowel movements, and if there are any drastic changes that carry on for three weeks or more.
This could be consistent runny poo, hard poo, an increase in toilet visits, or even the presence of blood.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Joshua Nair