The pandemic has led to a delay in many cancer patients' treatments worldwide.
In an effort to combat this, health bodies have been trying to raise awareness of the early warning signs of cancer that should not be ignored.
With almost 45,000 people in Ireland diagnosed with cancer each year, it is essential to know the early warning signs to watch out for.
According to Doctor Jiri Kubes of Proton Therapy Centre Prague, one lesser-known sign may occur in the ears, reports express.co.uk.
As with most forms of cancer, early detection offers the best chances of survival, particularly for fast-spreading forms of cancer, which are best treated while still contained in the tissue where they developed.
For example, neck cancer can begin anywhere in the body as it metastasises through the blood or lymph system to other parts of the body.
Doctor Kubes said: "The earlier we can get people diagnosed, the better the outcome.
"But despite it being the fastest-growing type of cancer in the world, there's still a lack of awareness around head and neck tumours."
Rates of head and neck cancer are reported to be growing due to a higher prevalence of the human papillomavirus, which causes cells in the back of the throat to turn abnormal.
These tumours are often found in the nose, neck or throat. However, some lesser-known signs can be found in other parts of the body.
Doctor Kubes added: "There are certain key symptoms you need to look out for, some of them less well known.
"For example, persistently blocked ears - the type you might get after diving into a swimming pool - or persistent earache could be a sign there's cancer in and around that area.
"Swelling in part of the neck or some resistance when touching a part of the neck could also be an indicator.
"Sore gums, ulcers and pain in your teeth, white or red patches in the mouth are all tell-tale symptoms."
Doctor Kubes added: "Most people might shrug it off and put it down to an ulcer.
"A doctor may also dismiss it and send you to the dentist. But it could well be a cancerous lesion that's growing, and it's easy to miss.
"A sore throat that lasts more than two weeks, or if you have any voice change or hoarseness, should ring alarm bells."
