HEALTH: 7 Warning Signs of Lung Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

Lung cancer is among the most common types of cancers in both
men and women worldwide. According to the U.S. National Cancer
Institute, approximately one out of every 14 men and women in the
U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer at some point in their
lifetime. In the U.S., lung cancer has surpassed breast cancer as the
most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women. But being
aware of the risk factors and paying attention to warning signs and
symptoms can save life.
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer
Warning signs of lung cancer are not always present or easy to
identify. In many cases lung cancer may not show any noticeable
symptoms in the early stages. But if you suspect that some of the
risk factors apply to you, then early screening may help people at
high risk for the disease.
A person with lung cancer may have the following symptoms:
1. Persistent cough or changes in cough
If you have a cold, your cough should go away after a week or two,
but if it persists over a long time, you should see your doctor. If you
are a smoker or suffers from chronic cough, notice if there are any
changes in your chronic cough, for example: coughing more
frequently, deeper cough with a deeper or hoarse sound, coughing
up blood or having more mucus than usual.
2. Shortness of breath
If you are short of breath while doing a task that you could have
done easily in the past, it may be a symptom of lung cancer. This
symptom can occur if lung tumor blocks or narrows an airway, or if
fluid from it builds up in the chest.
3. Chest and bone pain
One of the symptoms may be pain in the chest, shoulder, or back
area. Lung cancer that has spread to the bones may cause pain at
the sites of the affected bone. If it has spread to the brain it may
cause a number of neurological symptoms and headaches. So listen
to your body and if the pain persists and doesn’t go away, go to
see your doctor.
4. Wheezing
While a whistling sound when you breathe can result from asthma
or allergies, it can also be associated with lung cancer. If wheezing
persists, visit your doctor to find the cause of it.
5. Voice changes
Your voice becomes hoarser and deeper or you notice any other
significant changes in your voice. While hoarseness can result from
a simple cold, if it persists then go to see your doctor.
6. Persistent chest infections
Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that don’t go away or
keep coming back.
7. Weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness
These are non-specific symptoms that can be seen with many other
cancer types or other diseases, but if the changes are unexplained
and persist, then go to your doctor to find the cause of it.