Gaby Roslin features in NHS lung cancer awareness campaign
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The charity Macmillan Cancer Support stated: “One in two people born after 1960 in the UK will be diagnosed with some sort of cancer during their lifetime.” Here is the full list of lung cancer symptoms. The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation noted that you don’t have to be a smoker to develop a tumour in the lung. One of the most common signs of lung cancer is a “persistent cough that lasts three weeks or more”.
For people who already have a chronic cough, a sign of lung cancer is when the cough becomes worse and changes.
It’s an especially an alarming sign if you cough up blood, which requires medical attention as soon as possible.
Breathlessness, repeat chest infections, and chest or shoulder pain can also be indicative of the deadly disease.
Furthermore, some people may lose their appetite and lose a lot of weight without trying to.
Some people with lung cancer might suffer from “unexplained” fatigue or lack of energy.
Lung cancer may also show up when the fingertips swell at the end, known as “finger clubbing”.
Blood clots could also be indicative of a growing tumour inside of the body.
The NHS added that there may be “an ache or pain when breathing or coughing”.
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The national health body also noted less common signs of lung cancer, such as “difficulty swallowing” or “pain when swallowing”.
Other indications of lung cancer may include “wheezing”, or “swelling of your face or neck”.
Cancer Research UK added “pain and swelling in the joints” – otherwise called “hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPOA)” – could be a sign of lung cancer.
The charity explained: “It is rare, but some types of lung cancer cells produce hormones that go into the bloodstream.
“These hormones can cause symptoms that don’t seem related to lung cancer.”
Known as “paraneoplastic syndrome”, these hormonal symptoms include:
- Pins and needles or numbness in the fingers or toes
- Muscle weakness
- Drowsiness, weakness, dizziness and confusion
- Breast swelling in men
Another rare form of lung cancer, known as a Pancoast tumour that grows “right at the top of the lung” may result in “very specific symptoms”.
A Pancoast tumour may lead to a collection of symptoms called Horner’s syndrome. This includes:
- Drooping or weakness of one eyelid
- A small pupil in the same eye
- Loss of sweating on one side of the face
Cancer Research UK explained: “The symptoms of Horner’s syndrome are caused by the tumour pressing on or damaging a nerve that runs up from the neck to that side of the face.”
The British Lung Foundation (BLF) warned that if a tumour has spread outside of the lungs, the first symptoms might include:
- Back pain
- Bone pain or fracture
- Nerve or brain damage – this might affect walking, talking, behaviour or memory
- Confusion
- Jaundice – when your skin or eyes become yellow
If you’re concerned you have symptoms of lung cancer, write down your experiences, and speak to your GP to start investigating.
It may not be cancer, but it’s better to get your health checked out if you’re concerned.
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