Gastro surgeon names the early cancer symptom in your throat – and urges people to re-think their morning supplements

Most people expect digestive problems to involve stomach pain, bloating or an upset bowel.

But according to one gastroenterologist, one of the biggest warning signs that something could be seriously wrong has nothing to do with the stomach at all.

Dr Wendi LeBrett, a double board-certified gastroenterologist and internal medicine physician, revealed that trouble swallowing is one of several symptoms that should never be brushed aside.

She warned it can signal conditions ranging from severe inflammation to oesophageal cancer.

It’s one of the key reasons she is urging people to stop dismissing persistent digestive symptoms and seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

The symptom that immediately raises alarm bells

While many digestive complaints settle on their own, Dr LeBrett said some require urgent assessment by a gastroenterologist.

‘Trouble swallowing, diarrhoea lasting more than four weeks, unexplained weight loss, early satiety or blood in the stool [are all symptoms that] need an urgent GI evaluation,’ she said.

‘These are the symptoms that cause alarm bells to go off in my head.’

Difficulty swallowing, known medically as dysphagia, can occur when food feels like it’s sticking in the throat or chest, takes longer than usual to go down or becomes painful to swallow.

While it can sometimes be caused by acid reflux or inflammation, it may also point to narrowing of the oesophagus, nerve disorders or, more rarely, oesophageal or stomach cancer.

Doctors say swallowing difficulties should never be ignored because they often worsen over time and, in some cases, can lead to malnutrition, dehydration or choking if left untreated.

Why screening matters – even if you feel healthy

Another of Dr LeBrett’s non-negotiables is colorectal cancer screening as soon as you’re eligible.

She says colonoscopy remains the gold standard, but emphasises that any approved screening test is better than delaying altogether.

Early detection dramatically improves survival rates because bowel cancer often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages.

Think twice before taking supplements

Dr LeBrett also urges people to understand exactly why they’re taking supplements before adding them to their daily routine.

She warns that supplements are a surprisingly common cause of liver injury, particularly among younger people.

‘[It’s important to] fully understand why I’m taking a supplement and the potential impact on my liver and kidneys,’ she said. 

Even products marketed as natural aren’t automatically risk-free.

Dr LeBrett said herbs such as turmeric and ashwagandha have both been linked to cases of supplement-related liver injury.

The foods she limits

While Dr LeBrett doesn’t believe in completely banning foods, she intentionally limits processed meats and alcohol because both are established risk factors for colorectal cancer.

‘Does this mean I don’t eat bacon or drink a glass of wine once in a while? No,’ she said.

‘But it’s becoming a rare occurrence rather than a part of my regular lifestyle.’

Variety matters more than perfection

Rather than focusing on cutting foods out, Dr LeBrett prioritises eating as many different plant foods as possible.

She said fibre diversity helps support a wider range of beneficial gut bacteria, which is good for digestion and overall health.

That means not only eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, but also regularly including beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds and herbs.

‘Fibre diversity is essential for gut health,’ she said.

Her advice reflects growing evidence that long-term gut health is built through consistent, everyday habits rather than quick fixes – and that recognising warning signs early can be just as important as what you put on your plate.