Latest news with #Kubes
Daily Mirror
12-08-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a cancer doctor - never ignore this common red flag that lasts 3 weeks'
You might think this symptom is nothing much to worry about but Dr Jiri Kubes says you could be wrong A cancer doctor has urged people to never ignore a common symptom if it lasts three weeks. You may not realise that this lingering sign could indicate a deadly disease. Dr Jiri Kubes, medical director at the Proton Therapy Centre in Prague, explained that a persistent sore throat could be a sign of something far more serious than a lingering cold. While most sore throats are caused by viruses or allergies, Dr Kubes said some cases may point to early signs of head or neck cancer. This is especially concerning if the sore throat lingers for more than three weeks, he said. However, this is often missed as people don't realise how serious it could be. 'People assume it's just an infection or acid reflux, especially if they're otherwise healthy,' Dr Kubes said. 'But when a sore throat won't go away - and it doesn't respond to normal treatments - it's time to investigate.' According to statistics from Cancer Research UK, there are around 12,800 new head and neck cancer cases in the UK every year making it the eighth most common form of cancer. The name covers a range of different types of cancer that can appear in the head and neck, including throat, laryngeal, and mouth cancer. Symptoms Dr Kubes said early signs of head and neck cancer are often vague - including hoarseness, a constant sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or the feeling of something stuck in the throat. 'These symptoms can be subtle, which is why they're often missed,' he explained. 'If you've had a sore throat for more than three weeks, especially if it's on one side, or you have ear pain without an infection, speak to your GP.' He added that people who smoke or drink regularly are at higher risk - but even non-smokers can be affected. 'We're seeing rising cases in younger people with no obvious risk factors - particularly linked to HPV infections,' Dr Kubes said. He stressed that a sore throat doesn't mean you have cancer - but urges people to trust their instincts if something doesn't feel right. Dr Kubes said: 'Most sore throats are harmless - but if it drags on, get it checked. 'Cancers in this area are very treatable when caught early, especially with targeted therapies like proton beam treatment.' Dr Kubes recommended speaking to a doctor if your sore throat: Lasts more than three weeks Comes with unexplained ear pain Causes changes to your voice Makes swallowing difficult Comes with a lump in the neck or weight loss 'You know your body best,' he added. 'If something feels off - act on it.'
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
The 'deadly' common summer food combo that could quietly increase your cancer risk
A popular food and drink pairing could be raising your risk of cancer without you even realising, the doctor says Cancer is a cruel disease that affects not only the person who has been diagnosed, but everyone around them. Around 36,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland each year, according to Public Health Scotland. The illness can be caused by lifestyle factors like diet and how much alcohol you drink. And as summer descends, some healthier ways of living can fall by the wayside, perhaps in place of a knees up with friends in the garden. However, Dr Jiri Kubes, a leading oncologist at Proton Therapy Center in Prague, is warning how a popular barbecue food and drink pairing could increase cancer risk – without you even realising. As Brits fire up the grill in the sun this summer, many will be indulging in sizzling sausages, burgers and cold beers - but experts say this classic combo might do more harm than good. Processed meats and alcohol contain problematic chemicals, and are more deadly when consumed together. This is because they may enhance each other's cancer-causing effects, especially when scoffed in the same sitting. Dr Jiri Kubes says the problem lies in how alcohol impacts your body's ability to process harmful compounds. "Processed and chargrilled meats already contain chemicals that have been linked to increased cancer risk - such as nitrates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)," he explained. "But when you consume alcohol alongside them, it can make it easier for these carcinogens to be absorbed into the bloodstream - it's quite the deadly combination." Dr Kubes says alcohol acts as a kind of 'carrier,' damaging the lining of the mouth, throat and stomach, and making it easier for cancer-causing compounds to take hold. "This is why drinking alcohol and eating processed meat at the same time - like a hot dog with a beer - can be more harmful than either one on its own," he added. What can you eat instead? There's no need to avoid the occasional summer blowout, but Dr Kubes suggests making some smart swaps. "Try grilled fish, veggie skewers or lean meats like chicken instead of heavily processed sausages or burgers," he said. "Keep your drinking moderate and pair it with fresh salads or wholegrains, which are rich in fibre and antioxidants." It's also important not to over-char food on the grill. "The blackened, burnt bits may taste good, but they're often full of carcinogenic compounds," he went on. "Keep your flame low, and avoid cooking meat until it's crisp or black." "Many people think it's fine to have a few drinks and a burger now and then, but if it's happening frequently over summer, the risks can quietly build up," he cautioned. "Small changes now can have a big impact on your long-term health." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Scottish Sun
21-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The deadly BBQ food pairing that could silently raise your cancer risk, warns doctor
Plus, other health risks to be aware of when firing up the BBQ this weekend NOT GRILL-IANT The deadly BBQ food pairing that could silently raise your cancer risk, warns doctor Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DOCTOR has warned that a popular barbecue food and drink pairing could be quietly raising your risk of cancer - without you even realising. As Brits fire up the grill this summer, many will be indulging in sizzling sausages, burgers and cold beers. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The combination of the two BBQ classics can enhance the already existing cancer-causing effects But experts say this classic combo might do more harm than good. The issue isn't just what you eat or drink - but how the two work together. Certain summer staples, like processed meats and alcohol, may actually enhance each other's cancer-causing effects - especially when consumed in the same sitting. According to Dr Jiri Kubes, a leading oncologist at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, the problem lies in how alcohol impacts your body's ability to process harmful compounds. 'Processed and chargrilled meats already contain chemicals that have been linked to increased cancer risk - such as nitrates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),' he explained. 'But when you consume alcohol alongside them, it can make it easier for these carcinogens to be absorbed into the bloodstream - it's quite the deadly combination.' Dr Kubes says alcohol acts as a "carrier", damaging the lining of the mouth, throat and stomach, and making it easier for cancer-causing compounds to take hold. 'This is why drinking alcohol and eating processed meat at the same time - like a hot dog with a beer - can be more harmful than either one on its own,' he added. So what should you eat instead? While there's no need to avoid summer fun entirely, Dr Kubes suggests making some smart swaps. 'Try grilled fish, veggie skewers or lean meats like chicken instead of heavily processed sausages or burgers,' he said. Expert's warning over common barbecue myths that pose 'dangerous health risk' as Brits' grilling blunders revealed 'And if you're drinking, keep it moderate and pair it with fresh salads or wholegrains, which are rich in fibre and antioxidants.' It's also important not to over-char food on the grill. 'The blackened, burnt bits may taste good, but they're often full of carcinogenic compounds," he added. "Keep your flame low, and avoid cooking meat until it's crisp or black.' Public awareness about these food combinations is still low, says Dr Kubes, but that education is key. 'Many people think it's fine to have a few drinks and a burger now and then, but if it's happening frequently over summer, the risks can quietly build up,' he said. 'Small changes now can have a big impact on your long-term health.' Processed and red meat and the link to cancer 3 Processed and red meat have been linked to the development of bowel cancer Credit: Getty Processed meat and red meat have both been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Eating processed meat increases the risk of bowel cancer, with research showing even eating small amounts raises the risk. And the risk is said to be similar to that of tobacco and alcohol. Experts also think it's likely eating red meat increases the risk of bowel cancer. Cancer Research UK explains: "Red meat is classed as a probable cause of cancer. There is lots of good-quality evidence of a link between eating red meat and bowel cancer, but is not as strong as the evidence for processed meat. "In scientific studies, it's hard to investigate eating red meat separately from eating processed meat." There's some evidence processed and red meat may increase the risk of other types of cancer, like stomach and pancreatic cancers, although more research is needed. Alcohol and its link to cancer 3 All types of alcohol can increase cancer risk Credit: Getty Drinking alcohol has been linked to increased risk of getting several kinds of cancer, including mouth, throat, voice box, oesophagus, colon and rectum, liver, and breast. Some studies show drinking three or more drinks that contain alcohol per day increases the risk of stomach and pancreatic cancers. And all kinds of drinks that contain alcohol increase the risk of cancer. The current NHS guidelines advise that both men and women should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week. It's also recommended to spread this drinking over three or more days and to have several alcohol-free days each week. If you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week, spreading it out is important, and having some drink-free days is also a good idea.
Irish Daily Mirror
14-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Blocked ears could be 'red flag' symptom of deadly cancer, doctor warns
A doctor has highlighted crucial 'red flag' symptoms that may indicate cancer, with blocked ears being a surprisingly key warning sign. According to the doctor, numerous signs often go unnoticed, which is concerning given the rising prevalence of head and neck cancers. According to the Marie Keating Foundation, over 700 cases of mouth, head and neck cancer are diagnosed in Ireland each year. Mouth, Head and Neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide with an estimated 550,000 cases diagnosed annually. It mainly affects men and older people, however, the number of women and younger people being diagnosed is rising and early detection greatly improves your chances of successful treatment Experts attribute this surge to the growing prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV), an infection that can cause cancer without displaying symptoms, reports the Mirror. HPV is very common – most people will be infected with a form of HPV in their lifetime. HPV infection is most common in people in their late teens and early 20s. You can catch HPV by being sexually active with another person who already has the virus. Most HPV infections do not need treatment because your body can clear the virus itself. But in some people, the HPV infection can develop into cancer or genital warts. In an effort to boost awareness around head and neck cancer, Dr Jiri Kubes, a leading oncologist, has outlined common indicators of head and neck cancer. Dr Kubes, who practices at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, stressed: "Earlier diagnosis is absolutely crucial. The sooner we can identify head and neck cancer, the better the outcome. "It is considered one of the fastest growing types of cancer in the world but there is still a worrying lack of awareness around head and neck tumours."
Daily Mirror
12-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Blocked ears could be 'red flag' symptom of deadly cancer
A doctor has shared the major 'red flags' to watch out for as they could be a sign of cancer A doctor has listed the potential 'red flag' symptoms that could be signs of cancer, including blocked ears. The doctor says there a multiple things to look out for, but many of them often go ignored. Head and neck cancers affect the mouth, throat and nose, with cases becoming more common. Almost 13,000 people in this country are diagnosed with head and neck cancers every year, according to Cancer Research UK, with incidence rates increasing by a third since the 1990s. Some put this down to the rising rates of human papillomavirus (HPV), an infection which can trigger the disease that often shows no symptoms. Leading oncologist Dr Jiri Kubes has shared some of the most common signs in a bid to raise awareness. The doctor, who works at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, said: "Earlier diagnosis is absolutely crucial. The sooner we can identify head and neck cancer, the better the outcome. "It is considered one of the fastest growing types of cancer in the world but there is still a worrying lack of awareness around head and neck tumours." Red flag symptoms to watch out for Persistently blocked ears - Dr Kubes said: "This is a similar feeling to the one you might get after diving into a swimming pool. Stubborn earache also could be a sign there's cancer around that area." Swelling in the neck - Resistance when touching a part of the neck could also be an indicator. Sore gums and ulcers - The expert said: "Don't just shrug off an ulcer - get it checked out by your GP as it could be a cancerous lesion. Pain in your teeth and white or red patches in the mouth are also tell-tale symptoms." Sore throat - "If it lasts for more than two weeks, or if you experience any voice changes or hoarseness, this should ring alarm bells,' said Dr Kubes.
