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.