The ITV doctor has provided useful health advice
Updated January 1, 2025, 1:59 PM
The ITV doctor has provided useful health advice(Image: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire)
ITV’s health expert Dr Amir Khan has highlighted the ‘red flag’ symptoms and shared five reasons why he would want to see a patient as a GP. The doctor regularly shares tips and advice on TV, but also on social media.
Dr. Khan posted a video explaining the symptoms to viewers with the caption: “As we end this year, it’s worth reminding everyone of some ‘red flag’ symptoms. These are symptoms that may seem benign, but have the potential to be something serious.
“It’s always worth getting them checked. I know it’s hard to get an appointment, but if you tell the care navigators or reception team that you’re worried your symptoms are something serious like cancer, you should be given priority. I hope it is useful.” Below are the five reasons why Dr. Khan said he would advise patients to come in.
Five ‘red flag’ symptoms
- Dr. Khan says coughing for more than three weeks is one of the most common forms of lung cancer. He said it could be a red flag, especially if you smoke, but anyone experiencing this symptom should see their GP as a chest x-ray or scan may be needed.
- New unexplained symptoms of acid reflux when you’re 55 or older could be another cause for concern, according to the ITV doctor. He said there could be many explanations for it, but doctors need to make sure they don’t miss stomach or food pipe cancer.
- If you’ve been through menopause for more than a year without a period but then experience vaginal bleeding, Dr Khan has urged patients to get this checked out. He added: “It doesn’t matter how small this is, we need to get it investigated.”
- If you have noticed unexplained blood in your urine, you are recommended to visit a doctor. Dr. Khan said: “especially if it wasn’t painful in any way when you were going through it”. If it only happened once and it’s all clear now, the doctor said it still needs to be looked at as a precaution.
- A mole on your skin that is new or changed, including one that is getting bigger, itches, bleeds, or looks or feels different, could be a warning sign. Dr. Khan has advised patients to have this checked as well. Dr. Khan told followers, “Chances are these things are nothing to worry about,” but reminded them to let the doctors judge them as professionals.