The diagnosis of nearly 40 percent of people with lung cancer only come after the disease has advanced. Here are five warning signs of lung cancer that can greatly increase early detection and treatment.
According to the National Cancer Institute, one out of 14 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer, which will exceed breast cancer as the primary cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. Fortunately, early detection in lung cancer can be treatable and curable.
1. Persistent cough
Many people make the mistake of dismissing a stubborn cough. The most common and apparent warning sign of lung cancer is a persistent coughing coupled with colds, flus or respiratory infections.
Wheezing whenever a person breathes in or out may be due to asthma or allergies, but it may also be a warning sign of lung cancer. Coughs that also come with thick mucus or blood should be a cause for concern, according to Natural News.
2. Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is an easy symptom of lung cancer as cancer can block or narrow airways to the lungs. In some cases, fluids may build up in the chest due to lung tumors.
Activities such as climbing a short flight of stairs or bringing in groceries should not give you shortness of breathe. When a person finds these activities hard to complete, do not ignore the signs.
3. Pain in the chest, back, shoulders or abdomen
Similar to other types of cancer, pain in the chest, back, shoulder or abdomen can be associated with lung cancer. Pain may come and go, may be sharp and may also be constant whether it be confined to a specific area or may occur through one's chest, according to Health Line. The discomfort is largely due to inflamed and enlarged lymph nodes trying to combat the tumor.
4. Voice changes
Any significant changes to a person's voice should be checked out by a doctor. When a person points out that your voice becomes deeper, raspier or rough, this may mean that the tumor has affected the nerve that controls the larynx.
5. Muscle weakness
Muscle weakness occurs when cancer releases chemicals that change the normal activity of red blood cells needed by the body. This disruption can cause low sodium levels and raised calcium levels that may eventually lead to muscle weakness.
