Every year in France, more than 430,000 people learn that they have cancer. It is the leading cause of death in the country, responsible for approximately one in four deaths. However, a large proportion of cancers could be treated earlier if certain signals were identified in time. The problem ? Early symptoms are often trivial, discreet, sometimes painless, and therefore easily overlooked.
British health authorities, including Cancer Research UK, have for several years insisted on four “persistent” symptoms which, when they do not disappear, must suggest cancer. In France, specialists share this vigilance.
A mouth ulcer or plaque on the tongue that does not heal
Everyone has had a canker sore. Usually it disappears within two weeks. But when a sore in the mouth does not heal after three weeks, whether it is red, white or thickened, experts agree: it is necessary to consult. This is a “key sign” of oral or oropharyngeal cancers. Dr Gérald Kierzek confirms:
“This type of lesion can be a sign of oral cancer, especially if it persists for more than two weeks without healing. You should consult a stomatologist or ENT specialist.”
Why be wary of it? Because oral cancers don’t necessarily hurt. They can start with a small indurated area, a plaque, a harmless ulceration. It is precisely these “too discreet” symptoms that delay the diagnosis.
A persistent cough (and sometimes a hoarse voice)
A cough that lasts two days in the middle of winter? Nothing to worry about. But a cough that does not stop after three weeks, which changes, becomes dry, or is accompanied by hoarseness, should alert you. It is one of the earliest signs of lung cancer.
Dr Kierzek nuances but insists: “The cough is often benign, but certain signs should alert you: a cough that persists for more than three weeks, lymph nodes, difficulty breathing… You should consult, and sometimes do a lung scan.”
Why is it important? Because lung cancer is one of the deadliest in France. Diagnosed late, it leaves little room for maneuver. A simple prolonged cough can sometimes be the first alert.
A skin wound that does not heal
The skin is an organ that heals quickly: a cut takes a few days, a pimple, a week. Even small lesions caused by shaving or friction disappear quickly. When a wound remains open, a pimple becomes chronic, a wart, a scab or a mole does not disappear, you must consult.
Dr Gérald Kierzek insists: “If a wound remains open, does not heal or changes appearance, examinations must be considered. A biopsy is often necessary. We cannot let a doubtful lesion go unaddressed.”
This sign can correspond to:
- Basal cell carcinoma (common, not very aggressive but needs to be treated);
- Squamous cell carcinoma;
- Melanoma (the most serious).
The earlier it is identified, the simpler the treatment.
Persistent heartburn or indigestion
Who has never had indigestion after a heavy meal, a spicy dish or a night of drinking too much? It is common and most often benign. But when heartburn becomes frequent, lasts for weeks, or does not improve despite regular medications, it may be a sign of esophageal or stomach cancer.
Dr Kierzek specifies: “Stomach cancer can remain silent for a long time. A discreet but important sign: a sudden disgust for certain foods, especially meat.”
He advises not to trivialize persistent reflux:
“If the heartburn lasts and resists treatment, a fiberoscopy should be performed.”
Why are these symptoms so often ignored?
Because they resemble everyday ailments. But the essential rule of oncologists is simple: any symptom that persists, changes or returns must be examined.
“You should not wait until symptoms become serious. If something persists or seems unusual, seek medical attention. Early detection can save lives.” insists our expert.
So, if one of these symptoms lasts more than 2 to 3 weeks, worsens or is accompanied by another unusual sign (extreme fatigue, weight loss, persistent fever, lymph nodes)… Then yes: you should consult.
“Even if it is not cancer (and in the majority of cases, it is not), it is better to check. Early diagnosis changes everything: treatments are often lighter, the chances of recovery much higher.”