Lung cancer warning - why you should never ignore these common symptoms - Express

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly types of cancer, according to the NHS.

Most cases of the disease are caused by smoking, although you can still develop lung cancer even if you’ve never smoked before.

The cancer doesn’t usually cause any symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body.

But, there are some common warning signs you should be looking out for.

Having a cough that doesn’t go away is one of the more common symptoms of lung cancer, said the American Cancer Society.

You should speak to a doctor if the cough gets worse, it said.

Similarly, if you cough and subsequently have a pain in your chest, you should also speak to a medical professional.

Other warning signs include having a hoarse throat, and the onset of wheezing.

Lung cancer could also cause some infections to keep coming back, including bronchitis and pneumonia.

“Most lung cancers do not cause any symptoms until they have spread, but some people with early lung cancer do have symptoms,” it said.

“If you go to your doctor when you first notice symptoms, your cancer might be diagnosed at an earlier stage, when treatment is more likely to be effective.

“Most of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than lung cancer.

“Still, if you have any of these problems, it’s important to see your doctor right away so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.”

A chest x-ray may be used to diagnosed lung cancer, as most tumours show up on x-rays as a white/grey-coloured mass.

A specialist may carry out other tests to investigate whether your symptoms are being caused by lung cancer.

The best way to avoid developing lung cancer symptoms is to quit smoking, if you’re a smoker.

But you could also lower your chances of the disease by eating a low-fat, high-fibre diet, said the NHS.

Make sure you eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day, as well as plenty of wholegrains.

Regular exercise is also crucial to avoiding lung cancer, as well as many other types of cancer.

Everyone should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.

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