Doctor warns sore throat is 'common red flag' for two cancers

Experts have revealed how a persistent sore throat is one of the most common red flags of head and neck cancer. Tumours affecting the mouth, nose and throat are growing in prevalence, thanks in part to ‘HPV’ or human papillomavirus, an often symptomless infection which can trigger the disease.

Comedian Rhod Gilbert raised awareness of the form of the disease as he opened up on his battle with stage 4 head and neck cancer on The Great Celebrity Bake Off. Some of the early warning signs are easy to miss, according to Dr Jiri Kubes, medical director of cancer treatment facility Proton Therapy Center.

He said: “Head and neck cancer is one of the fastest-growing types of cancer in the world and an early diagnosis can make a major difference to the chances of defeating it. Some of the early symptoms can easily be mistaken for other common ailments, so it’s important to be aware of any changes to your body and address any concerns.

“A persistent sore throat that lasts more than two weeks is one of the lesser-known symptoms of head and neck cancer. Sore gums, ulcers and pain in your teeth, white or red patches in the mouth can also be tell-tale signs.

“Another common early symptom is persistently blocked ears or persistent earache. And swelling in part of the neck, or some resistance when touching a part of the neck, could also be an indicator. While having any of these symptoms does not necessarily need to be a cause for alarm, it’s vital that if you suspect something is not right that you see your doctor.”

Every year around 12,000 people in Britain are diagnosed with head and neck cancers, with Cancer Research UK saying incidence rates have increased by a third since the early 1990s. Experts say there’s currently a 90 per cent chance you’ll survive head and neck cancer if you’re diagnosed early.

If you’re diagnosed late, this can go down as low as 40 per cent. Comedian Rhod, 55, was diagnosed with the disease in 2022, but has returned to performing with a live tour across 2024 and 2025.

He said on the Channel 4 show: “I’m lucky to be here at all. I realised when I got cancer that I had been plodding through life thinking ‘other people get cancer’.

“There was a point where I didn’t really know what the future held. Just to be here, to be anywhere, is pretty good.”