Many people are aware of some of the warning signs of lung cancer, but there are also some lesser-known symptoms to look out for.
According to Cancer Research there are around 48,500 new lung cancer cases in the UK every year – more than 130 each day. The disease often spreads quicker than other cancers, with cells moving through blood into the lungs and to other parts of the body.
Unfortunately, the disease is often only detected once it has already spread, making it more dangerous and difficult to treat, the Daily Record reports.
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The earlier lung cancer is found, the higher the survival rate typically is. This means that knowing the warning signs to look out for is hugely important.
Most people diagnosed with lung cancer are 60 years old or older, with smokers also more likely to suffer. The illness can also be caused by second-hand smoke as well as radiation and substances such as asbestos, chromium and nickel compounds.
Maintaining your general health as well as avoiding risk factors – such as smoking – can help reduce risk of developing the potentially fatal disease. Most commonly, the disease is found in the airways leading into the lungs.
This can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing and a persistent cough. Some people also bring up blood or phlegm when coughing.
However, there are other, lesser known signs that should also be looked out for, such as pain or weakness in your shoulder. If a tumour is located at the top of the lung it can create pressure on the nerves and blood vessels going into the arm.
This can result in pair and/or weakness in your shoulder or down your limbs – often a persistent sensation of pins and needles. This sensation and pain can also be felt in the chest by some sufferers due to the location and size of the tumour.
Clubbing of the fingers is also linked to lung cancer. This is where the tips of the fingers become swollen due to lack of oxygen. In other cases, the tumour might press against blood flow to the head, resulting in swelling around the face as well.
According to the NHS, the most common symptoms of lung cancer are :
- a cough that doesn’t go away after 2 or 3 weeks
- a long-standing cough that gets worse
- chest infections that keep coming back
- coughing up blood
- an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- persistent breathlessness
- persistent tiredness or lack of energy
- loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
Cancerous cells can also release large quantities of hormones that can cause symptoms experienced in other parts of the body. It means that some may experience extreme fatigue and weight loss.
Lung cancer can present with lung infections so it is important to consult a medical professional if you have been suffering from a long-term lung infection or if the illness has not responded to antibiotics or other treatments.
If you have any of these symptoms, while is it unlikely to be lung cancer , it's important to speak to a GP so they can investigate. Finding cancer early means it's easier to treat.
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