Cancer is a debilitating disease that manifests slowly until it rears its ugly head by the time it is too late for the patient. However, it does present some warning signs which often get mistaken for other medical conditions. Similarly, some early symptoms of cancer can be mistaken for flu. To know more about this, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr L Rohit Reddy, Consultant Medical Oncologist & Hemato Oncologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.

Can Cancer Mimic The Flu?

“In India, we see many patients who present with symptoms of flu such as fever, malaise, and body aches. But remember that not every flu symptom is infection-related. Sometimes they can be due to a dangerous underlying cancer,” expressed Dr Reddy.

To explain the reality of this phenomenon, he gave the example of Mr Rao (name changed), who got diagnosed with the flu after weeks of suffering from fatigue and shortness of breath in December of 2023. But when the prescribed treatment didn’t relieve his symptoms, a second opinion revealed stage 4 lymphoma. 

Dr Reddy listed some common symptoms of the flu that are also common symptoms of some cancers, especially hematologic malignancies, such as lymphoma and leukaemia:

• Fatigue
• Chills
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Persistent cough

“A lot of flu symptoms depend on the type of cancer and how advanced it is. Back or abdominal pain is present in people suffering from ovarian, uterine, stomach, colon, and bladder cancers. Fatigue is also a big symptom, which can be mistaken for flu and is seen in advanced kidney cancer,” said Dr Reddy.

However, he elucidated that even though several cases have made headlines, it is rare for cancer to be inaccurately diagnosed as the flu. “These inaccurate diagnoses should not cause panic in every patient with such symptoms because as already mentioned these are rare instances. Patients who have been diagnosed with the flu or have flu-like symptoms should not be alarmed or immediately think they have something other than the flu. But if symptoms worsen or do not get better after two weeks, they should see a doctor,” added Dr Reddy.

Also Read: Stomach Cancer Awareness Month: Expert Suggests Foods That May Increase The Risk Of Stomach Cancer

Cancer May Increase Flu Risk

It’s also important to know that patients who are undergoing cancer treatment may be at a higher risk of catching the flu. “As flu season approaches, here are some tips for cancer patients and their caregivers that may help reduce the risk of getting sick,” said Dr Reddy as he listed:

• Get the annual influenza vaccine after confirmation with your oncologist or treating physician. 
• Get other scheduled vaccines as per the schedule prescribed.
• Keep your surroundings clean.
• Make sure your family members and caregivers also are vaccinated.
• Avoid crowds or wear a mask if you must be in a large group.
• Wash hands frequently.

Dr Reddy concluded that if you think you may have been exposed to the flu, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. He shared that if you find that you’re having flu-like symptoms that don’t get better, talk to your doctor, especially if pain is involved. While there’s a small chance it could be cancer, it could also be a sign of one of a host of other issues that can be easily fixed. Either way, it’s a good idea to get it checked out.