12 January 2024 , 16:05
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While lung cancer incidence rates are projected to fall by two per cent by 2025, around 57 per cent of cases are still diagnosed too late, which means the chances of survival are significantly reduced.
In fact, there are nearly 34,800 deaths each year in the UK - equivalent to 95 every day - which makes spotting early symptoms a top priority. The devastating disease is often associated with smoking, but Dr Mike Hansen highlights that non-smokers can also be at risk.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the lung doctor said: "There are actually different types of lung cancer, one in particular is a type that non smokers can get, and that's something called lung adenocarcinoma."
Dr Hansen then outlined the warning signs to watch out for, as early diagnosis provides patients with the best possible chances for successful treatment. "Warning sign number one is an interesting one that most people don't think about or know about and that's changes in the fingernails," he said.
Finger clubbing
Finger clubbing is a symptom of lung cancer, which causes enlargement in and around the fingertips. Dr Hansen explained: "It's certainly not the only thing that can cause clubbing of the fingernails, but if you notice this change it's definitely something that needs to be looked at and a potential sign of lung cancer."
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The condition happens in stages, starting at the base of the nail, which becomes soft. Then the skin next to the nail bed becomes shiny, after which the nails begin to curve more than normal when looked at from the side. Finally, some of the fingers may get larger and swell due to fluid collecting in the soft tissues of the fingers.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath can be associated with a number of health conditions, including lung cancer.
Dr Hansen added: "Experiencing shortness of breath or becoming easily winded could also be a potential warning sign of lung cancer, especially if that tumour is blocking an airway - if it's causing a narrowing airway, that's something that could be causing shortness of breath. Or, if that tumour is actually causing fluid build up outside of the lung, known as pleural effusion, that could do it as well."
Persistent cough
A persistent cough is a common symptom of respiratory illnesses, but if it lingers for longer than three weeks, it could be something more serious. Dr Hansen said: "Pay attention to whether your chronic cough is constant, or intermittent, if it's dry or if it's producing mucus, or if it has changed in any way.
"Also, if you are coughing blood, that's a big one. Because even if you're coughing up blood in small amounts, that can be a sign of lung cancer, and that would warrant immediate medical attention."
Wheezing
The Mayo Clinic describes wheezing as a "high-pitched whistling sound" which is made while inhaling or exhaling. It occurs when air passages of the lungs have become either blocked, constricted, or inflamed.
"While wheezing can be associated with numerous conditions such as asthma or COD, it can also be a sign of lung cancer, " Dr Hansen added.
Fatigue
Advanced lung cancer can cause fatigue, which is a feeling of constant exhaustion, burnout or lack of energy. Dr Hansen said: "Fatigue linked to cancer is usually more intense compared to the typical run of the mill feeling tired. With cancer fatigue it does not improve with rest."
Chest pain
Chest pain is another symptom of lung cancer, especially if it metastasizes to the chest wall, or if it causes swollen lymph nodes within the chest.
Dr Hansen said: "The pain can feel sharp, or could feel like a constant pain, it could be a dull pain, or could come and go meaning it's intermittent. So chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, or coughing, or even laughing, or sneezing, that could be a sign of lung cancer."
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Recurring chest infections
The doctor advises visiting a GP if you suffer from chest infections that keep coming back, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Dr Hansen said: "While healthy people can suffer from these conditions, a recurrent pattern might indicate undying issues like a lung tumour that's blocking the airways, and therefore predisposing you to infections."
Difficulty swallowing
While the common cold can make swallowing more of a challenge, Dr Hansen warns that it could also be a lung cancer red flag, especially if accompanied by pain.
Dr Hansen said: "This happens if a tumour is pressing on the oesophagus, which is the muscular tube that connects from the throat down to the stomach. If that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, these swollen lymph nodes end up pressing against the oesophagus."
Hoarse voice
In most cases, a hoarse voice is caused by inflammation of the larynx, but if the symptom doesn’t go away or there is a significant change to the voice, this could be a warning sign of lung cancer. This can be caused by a tumour that presses on a nerve that controls the larynx, called the recurrent laryngeal nerve, highlighted Dr Hansen.
Decreased appetite
Decreased appetite and unexplained weight loss are common symptoms of most cancers, and "lung cancer is no exception". If you think you have symptoms of lung cancer, speak to your GP as soon as possible.