A doctor based in Birmingham has issued a vital warning about the most "unusual" signs of lung cancer, a disease with one of the lowest survival rates across Britain.
Urgent Call for Awareness on Lesser-Known Symptoms
Dr Rupa Parmar, a GP and Medical Director at Midland Health, has detailed both the common and the more unexpected indicators of the illness. This comes as stark statistics reveal the severe impact of lung cancer in the UK. Each year, approximately 48,000 people are diagnosed, and tragically, 35,000 die from the disease, making its survival rates among the worst.
Dr Parmar stressed the importance of early detection, stating: "It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health. If you’re experiencing a combination of symptoms, being proactive and talking with your GP to check if you have lung cancer is hugely important, as the sooner a cancer is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can start."
Key Symptoms to Watch For
The doctor outlined a list of critical signs, urging anyone experiencing a combination to seek medical advice promptly.
1. Swollen Fingers and Finger Clubbing
This is highlighted as one of the more unexpected symptoms. Known as finger clubbing, it involves the ends of the fingers enlarging and the nails curving over the tips. This change develops in stages and can take months to become fully apparent.
2. Hormonal Symptoms
Some rarer forms of lung cancer can produce hormones that enter the bloodstream. This can lead to a range of symptoms including nausea, headaches, confusion, drooping eyelids, muscle weakness, and even seizures.
3. Shoulder or Arm Pain
Pain in the arm or shoulder can occur, particularly if a tumour is situated high in the lung and presses on nerves leading to the neck or arm. Dr Parmar noted this could also indicate the cancer is beginning to spread.
4. Persistent Cough
A new, persistent cough, coughing most of the time, or coughing up blood-stained phlegm are common symptoms caused by inflammation or a tumour irritating the airways.
5. Breathlessness
This frequent symptom arises when tumours block airways or press on the lungs, potentially causing a build-up of fluid.
6. Loss of Appetite
Feeling less hungry than usual can be a sign, as cancer cells can interfere with the body's normal hunger signals.
7. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight rapidly without trying is a significant red flag. Causes include reduced appetite, the body burning more calories, or disruptive chemicals released by the cancer.
Prevention and Risk Factors
Dr Parmar emphasised that around 80% of lung cancer cases are preventable. The most effective way to reduce risk is to stop smoking, as most cases are linked to long-term smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke.
"Stopping smoking is the most effective way of minimising your risk of lung cancer," she said. "Previous lung diseases, generally caused by smoking, can also contribute to an increased risk. So, quitting sooner rather than later is crucial."
Other, less avoidable risk factors include air pollution, radiation exposure, genetics, and exposure to workplace carcinogens like asbestos.
The doctor's clear message is one of vigilance and proactive health management, encouraging the public not to ignore persistent or unusual bodily changes.
