Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK, with nearly 35,000 people dying from the disease each year. This cancer tends to spread faster than other forms of the disease, with cells migrating through the bloodstream into the lungs and other body parts.
Tragically, lung cancer is often only identified once it has already metastasised, making it more perilous and challenging to treat. The sooner lung cancer is detected, the better the survival rate generally is. Therefore, being aware of the warning signs is crucial.
The majority of those diagnosed with lung cancer are aged 60 or above, and smokers are at a higher risk. Second-hand smoke, radiation, and substances like asbestos, chromium, and nickel compounds can also cause the disease, reports the Daily Record.
However, it’s worth noting that younger people and non-smokers can also be diagnosed. Maintaining overall health and avoiding risk factors such as smoking can help lower the chances of developing this potentially deadly disease.
Typically, the disease is discovered in the airways leading to the lungs, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and a persistent cough. Some patients may also cough up blood or phlegm.
And there are other less obvious signs to watch out for, including shoulder pain or weakness. 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.
Lung cancer symptoms
According to the NHS, the main symptoms of lung cancer include a cough that does not go away after three weeks, a persistent cough that gets worse, recurring chest infections, coughing up blood, aches or pain when breathing or coughing, persistent fatigue or lack of energy, persistent breathlessness, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss.
The main symptoms of lung cancer include: a cough that does not go away after 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.
Less common symptoms can also include finger clubbing, difficulty or pain when swallowing, a hoarse voice, swelling of the face or neck, wheezing, and – as stated above – chest or shoulder pain.
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. You should also book a GP appointment if you experience any of the listed lung cancer symptoms.