Lung cancer symptoms: The one little known sign that could mean you have it - My London

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the UK, with around 35,100 cancer deaths each year. According to Cancer Research UK, It's estimated that 96 people die each day from the disease, and it accounts for 21 per cent of all cancer deaths.

The danger with lung cancer is that there are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages, and symptoms develop as the condition progresses. The most commonly reported symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest infections and having a persistent cough with blood or phlegm. On the NHS website, they also list loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss and persistent tiredness.

However there is one symptom that could be an early tell-tale sign that is not a respiratory sign of the illness, and can appear on your fingertips. Here's everything you need to know.

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What is the early sign of lung cancer?

When pressing your fingernails together, you should be able to see a tiny diamond-shaped window of light appearing. If this doesn't appear, it could mean that you have finger clubbing which is an early sign of lung cancer.

Finger clubbing is when the ends of your fingers swell up due to fluid collecting in the soft tissue. It's a process that happens in stages. It starts at the base of the nail which becomes soft, with the skin next to the nail bed then becoming shiny, while the nails then begin to become more curved than normal. After that, the fingers start to get larger as they swell.

While not having this diamond-shaped spot of light between your fingernails doesn't automatically mean you have lung cancer, it is worth speaking to your GP if you spot it.

Detecting the disease at an early stage can help with treatment and can prolong a patient's life. The Mirror reported that Dr Helen Piercy, a West-Lancashire based GP said: "If you notice any signs or symptoms that concern you, see your GP.

"First phone for an appointment. You will be assessed. You will be invited in, if you need to be seen face-to-face. Don't be afraid. Pick up the phone."

Brian Gemmell, a lung cancer patient whose only symptom of the disease was finger clubbing urged: "Go and see your doctor If you've got anything that you're concerned about – that's what a GP is for. Go as soon as you can.'"

Advice on the NHS website for preventing the possibility of lung cancer includes leading a balanced diet, to quit smoking and to exercise. After 10 years of not smoking, your chances of developing lung cancer falls to half that of someone who smokes.

The main symptoms of lung cancer include:

• a cough that doesn't go away after 2 or 3 weeks

• a long-standing cough that gets worse

• chest infections that keep coming back

• coughing up blood

• an ache or pain when breathing or coughing

• persistent breathlessness

• persistent tiredness or lack of energy

• loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

Other less common symptoms include having difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice and persistent chest of shoulder pain.

If you have any of these symptoms, it's best to book an appointment to see your GP.