Lung cancer affects about 44,500 people every year in the UK.
It’s most commonly caused by smoking. Cigarettes are responsible for more than 85 per cent of all lung cancer cases.
But how do you know if you’re at risk of the disease?
Lung cancer symptoms are difficult to spot in its earlier stages.
As the tumour progresses, it could lead to some tell-tale signs of the disease.
“Many people with lung cancer have no symptoms at first,” said Bupa.
“But the most common symptom is a cough, especially one that doesn’t go away or gets worse.
“Many symptoms of lung cancer, such as a cough, can also be symptoms of other much less serious conditions, such as asthma.
“But if you’ve had symptoms such as a cough or feeling very tired for longer than three weeks, contact your GP surgery for advice.
“Some of the more serious symptoms should be checked by a GP sooner rather than waiting three weeks.”
The more serious signs of lung cancer include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood, added Bupa.
Other symptoms are frequent chest infections, unexplained weight loss, or feeling very tired.
Less common lung cancer symptoms include a swollen face, a hoarse voice, or a thickening of the fingertips.
Older people are more likely to be affected by lung cancer, said the NHS.
It’s rare in anyone under 40 years old, and is most common in people aged 70 to 74.
Seeing as lung cancer signs don’t tend to appear until after the cancer has spread into other parts of the body, the outlook isn’t as good as some other cancers.
Around one in three people survive the cancer for at least a year after their initial diagnosis.
Five per cent of patients survive for at least 10 years.
The best way to prevent lung cancer is to stop smoking, if you’re a smoker.
Eating a low-fat, high-fibre diet could lower the risk of lung cancer, while everyone should aim to do at least 150 minutes of exercise every week, added the NHS.
