Ignoring Early Body Changes Leads to Late Cancer Detection: Expert Warns

• Late cancer detection is linked to people overlooking or misinterpreting early, often mild symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or persistent pain.
• Dr Ankur Bahl, Principal Director, Medical Oncology, Fortis Gurgaon, highlights limited awareness and misconceptions that cancer always causes intense pain as key factors.
• Fear of a cancer diagnosis, concerns about treatment, and financial burdens contribute to individuals avoiding medical consultation, creating a harmful delay cycle.
• Social stigma, cultural influences, practical barriers to healthcare access, and lack of time also play significant roles in postponing medical visits.
• Addressing this requires strong education on warning signs, improved healthcare accessibility, screening programs, and a supportive healthcare environment to encourage early evaluation.

Why It Matters: Early detection of cancer is crucial; ignoring subtle body changes and fear lead to delayed diagnosis and worse outcomes.