4 symptoms that are easily mistaken as a lingering cold but could be cancer

Cold symptoms are caused by viruses or bacteria. But if these symptoms persist or even get worse, it could be a sign of cancer, according to the health website Verywell Health (USA).

People should see a doctor for cancer screening if the following cold-like symptoms persist:

Persistent cough

A persistent cough that lasts longer than three weeks should not be ignored. The American Cancer Society says a persistent cough, especially one that contains blood or changes in voice, can be a sign of lung or throat cancer.

Research shows that up to 57% of patients with early-stage lung cancer have a persistent cough as the first warning symptom. Therefore, if your cough does not go away after several weeks despite trying everything, you should see a doctor soon.

Fever, recurrent infections

An illness in which symptoms of infection, such as fever, recur may not simply be due to a weakened immune system. The American Society of Hematology says that recurring infections can sometimes be caused by leukemia, a type of blood cancer.

Leukemia impairs the body's ability to produce white blood cells, the cells that fight pathogens. As a result, people with the disease often suffer from infections, and fever is a very common symptom.

Chronic fatigue

Persistent fatigue is a symptom of many illnesses, including colds and flu. However, fatigue caused by cancer is often severe and does not improve with rest.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and colorectal cancer can cause persistent fatigue. This is because cancer affects the immune response and changes the body's metabolism.

Difficulty swallowing, sore throat for many days

A sore throat that lasts for weeks or difficulty swallowing could be a sign of throat or esophageal cancer. Research published in the International Journal of Cancer found that difficulty swallowing and persistent sore throat are among the early warning symptoms of these cancers, according to Verywell Health .