Everyone needs to watch out for these six lesser-known symptoms of lung cancer, including a sign that can appear on your face – and get any symptoms that appear checked out by your GP
One of the most common types of cancer in the UK, lung cancer is also the most deadly. Being familiar with the symptoms of the disease is crucial to ensure you get a timely diagnosis and any treatment that you may need as soon as possible. Most cases of lung cancer are preventable, so it can also be important to make lifestyle changes – like stopping smoking – if you’re at high risk of developing the disease.
Lung cancer is hard to detect in the early stages – per the NHS – because its symptoms mostly only appear later, so familiarising yourself with even the lesser-known and more uncommon signs of the disease is important – particularly if you’re at high risk. If any of these six uncommon signs appear, you should endeavour to get them checked out as soon as possible – it may well be nothing, but it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health and book an appointment with your GP so you can be examined.
For the most part, lung cancer affects older people – with the NHS reporting that 40 percent of cases are diagnosed in those aged over 75. Smokers are the highest risk group for developing lung cancer, with this accounting for 70 percent of cases. If you are struggling to give up smoking, the NHS offers resources, support, and even medications that can help you quit for good – there is no better time than the present.
There are six less common symptoms of lung cancer, that still require your attention. Firstly, if you find yourself wheezing, this may be a sign of the disease and requires medical attention. Secondly, if your voice becomes persistently hoarse when you’re speaking then you should get this checked out, or if you find it has become difficult to swallow – this is called dysphagia – or painful when you swallow, you should book an appointment with your GP.
The fourth less common lung cancer symptom is a change in the appearance of your fingers – if they become swollen at the tips around your fingernails, this is called finger clubbing and you should seek a medical examination. Any pain that persists in your shoulder, back, or chest could also be a symptom of lung cancer. Finally, there is one symptom that can appear on your face if you have the disease: swelling. This can also occur in your neck, so if you have unexplained swelling in either your face or neck, get it looked over by a doctor.
The more common symptoms of lung cancer include unexplained weight loss, or a decrease in appetite, a persistent cough that worsens over time, or a cough that remains for over three weeks. Further, coughing up blood can be a common sign of lung cancer, as can recurrent chest infections. If you persistently feel tired, without energy, or breathless you should go and see your GP, and the final common lung cancer symptom to watch out for is pain or ache when you breathe in and out.
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