Experts suggest that a simple ‘finger test’ could help detect lung cancer early – potentially saving lives. While chest pain, breathlessness, and wheezing are known indicators of the disease, signs can can also manifest in your hands before these red flags occur.
For those keen to try this test, the first step is to simply press your fingernails together. Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation then urges people to consider a single question – is there a small diamond-shaped hole?
If there isn’t, it might indicate that your fingers are swelling – a symptom seen in 35% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and 4% of those with small cell lung cancer. The UK’s leading lung cancer charity urges: “While not having this diamond-shaped window does not automatically indicate lung cancer, it can be a symptom.
“If you think your nails are clubbed, speak to your doctor.” It’s important to note that any related finger swelling usually occurs in more gradual stages, typically starting at the base of the nail before expanding, causing the nails to curve more than usual.
Cancer Research asserts that softening of the nail bed and redness around the skin are also among typical warning signs. Sometimes, these changes can take place over a series of years.
“Finger clubbing means there are certain changes in the shape of your fingers and fingernails,” the charity explains. “It is also called digital clubbing or Hippocratic fingers. People with conditions such as heart or lung problems sometimes have these changes.”
The crucial advice comes as lung cancer is among the most common forms of the disease. NHS statistics reveal that more than 43,000 people are diagnosed with it each year in the UK.
Although there are different types of lung cancer, some patients eventually experience several other concerning symptoms too. These generally include the the following:
- Persistent coughing
- Breathlessness
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained fatigue and weight loss
- Pain or aches when breathing or coughing
NHS guidance adds: “Lung cancer mainly affects older people. It’s rare in people younger than 40. More than four out of 10 people diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK are aged 75 and older.
“Although people who have never smoked can develop lung cancer, smoking is the most common cause (accounting for more than 70 out of 100 cases). This is because smoking involves regularly inhaling a number of different toxic substances.
“You should see a GP if you have these symptoms.”