Lung cancer is one of the more common and serious types of cancer in the UK.
The deadly condition is diagnosed in around 44,500 people every year, and is often caused by smoking and older age.
Worryingly, it doesn’t tend to produce any noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
This means it can often go missed until it has developed to quite an advanced stage.
In 40 per cent of lung cancer patients the diagnosis is made after the disease has progressed.
Additionally, one-third of those who are told they have the condition have lung cancer that has reached stage three.
While it depends on type, location and a number of other factors, this often means the cancer has spread and life expectancy is often significantly reduced.
However, there are some early signs that you can look out for.
These include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, hoarse voice, bone pain and coughing up mucus.
Also known as phlegm, mucus is produced by the respiratory system which will repeatedly try to expel it by coughing.
If your phlegm is green, yellow or another colour, it usually indicates an illness.
It can be a symptom of the flu as the body tries to fight off infection, and should usually go away within a few days on its own.
In the case of lung cancer, phlegm might be red or pink – usually caused by blood.
If this happens you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Being diagnosed quickly can make a big difference to treatment and life expectancy.
According to the NHS, just one in three people currently live for at least a year after this point, while only one in 20 survive past a decade.
Daily Express :: Life and Style Feed
