Lung cancer signs: Symptoms that might show up elsewhere in your body
Dr Chris discusses CT scans detecting lung cancer
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Around 45 out of 100 people diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK are aged 75 and older, according to Cancer Research UK. The NHS says that there are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages, though symptoms of lung cancer develop as the condition progresses.
Cancer Research UK says that finding lung cancer early can mean that it’s easier to treat, so if you notice any changes get them checked out by your GP as soon as possible.
Cancer Research says that the most common symptoms of lung cancer are having a cough most of the time, having a change in a cough you have had for a long time, and chest infections that keep coming back or a chest infection that doesn’t get better.
The charity adds that losing your appetite, feeling tired all the time, and losing weight are all signs.
“A cough is also a symptom of coronavirus. It is still important to contact your GP if you have a new or worsening cough.”
“They can speak to you over the phone or by a video call and arrange for tests if you need them,” the charity notes.
The NHS “Help Us, Help You” lung cancer campaign urges people who’ve had a cough for three weeks or more, and it isn’t COVID-19, to contact their GP practice.
The NHS campaign highlights that, though it’s probably nothing serious, coughing for three weeks or more could be a sign of lung cancer, and finding cancer early makes it more treatable.
The campaign notes that recent research has found more than 70 percent of people wouldn’t tell their friends or family if they had a symptom of lung cancer because they wouldn’t want to worry them.
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TV doctor, Doctor Amir Khan said: “Speaking as a GP, I cannot stress enough how important it is to contact your GP practice if you’ve had a cough for three weeks or more and it isn’t COVID-19.
The NHS wants to hear from you. “This new research shows the crucial role friends and family can play in encouraging their loved ones to contact their GP practice if they have a persistent cough, which could be a sign of lung cancer. Whilst it’s probably nothing serious, finding cancer earlier makes it more treatable.”
Other breathing symptoms associated with lung cancer can include breathlessness, recurring chest infections and pain while coughing or breathing.
Hussain Abdeh, Superintendent Pharmacist at Medicine Direct said: “The early stages of lung cancer do not usually produce any symptoms. However, as the condition gets worse the symptoms will normally start to appear.”
As well as a cough, the pharmacist said that other breathing symptoms associated with lung cancer can include breathlessness, recurring chest infections and pain while coughing or breathing.
“Although it is less common, another symptom to look out for is swelling in the neck or face; this can be a sign of lung cancer. Pain or trouble swallowing can also be a lung cancer symptom, as can shoulder or chest pain.
“An uncommon but possible sign of lung cancer can include changes in how your fingers look. Finger clubbing, where the fingertips become larger or more curved, can occur in people who are suffering from lung cancer.
“If you notice any changes to your fingers’ appearance, you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible to rule out the possibility of lung cancer.”
There are some factors that can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
Smoking tobacco is the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK.
Cancer Research says seven out of 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking.
The NHS says If you smoke more than 25 cigarettes a day, you are 25 times more likely to get lung cancer than a non-smoker.If you do not smoke, frequent exposure to other people’s smoking can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
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