Early detection improves prognosis for cancer, but as it turns out people are ignoring warning signs, dismissing them as less serious symptoms, according to researchers from University College London.

Funded by Cancer Research UK, the study involved 1,724 individuals aged 50 years old and up, each one completing a health questionnaire. About 53 percent of respondents said they experienced at least one cancer red flag during the last the three months, while only two percent considered the possibility that the symptom could be a sign of cancer.

There were 17 symptoms listed on the questionnaire. These included unexplained hoarseness or cough; persistent unexplained pain; persistent change in bowel movements; persistent change in bladder habits; a change in a mole's appearance; unexplained lump; unexplained weight loss; unexplained bleeding; a sore that won't heal; and persistent difficulty swallowing.

While all respondents were registered with at least one of three general practices in London, it was rare for people to attribute a certain symptom to something as serious as cancer. Cysts, piles, arthritis, infections and age were generally identified as reasons for the symptoms.

"Most people with potential warning symptoms don't have cancer, but some will and others may have other diseases that would benefit from early attention. That's why it's important that these symptoms are checked out, especially if they don't go away. But people could delay seeing a doctor if they don't acknowledge cancer as a possible cause," explained Dr. Katriina Whitaker, a senior research fellow from University College London and the study's lead author.

Whitaker adds that the reluctance to mention cancer might be due to fear, with many people thinking that cancer wouldn't happen to them.

Unfortunately, it can happen to anyone. This is why it's important to schedule a regular trip to the doctor. It's not a waste of time when it can save a life. When diagnosed early enough, cancer can be stopped, allowing patients to live normal lives.

"Most cancers are picked up through people going to their GP about symptoms, and this study indicates that opportunities for early diagnosis are being missed. Its results could help us find new ways of encouraging people with worrying symptoms to consider cancer as a possible cause and to get them checked out straightaway with a GP," said Sara Hiom, early diagnosis director at Cancer Research UK.