Did you know that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States? Each year, more people die from lung cancer than from breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. And yet, many people don’t realize they are at risk for this disease until it’s too late. That is often because lung cancer doesn’t show any symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage. By then, it may be too late for treatment to be effective. However, if you are aware of the subtle symptoms of lung cancer, you can get help sooner and improve your chances of survival.
Chest Pain
Early on, lung cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. The first sign of a problem is often pain in the chest or shoulder area. The pain can feel like a sharp, stabbing sensation that worsens with deep breaths. You may also feel pain in your chest when coughing or when your lung is irritated. However, chest tightness and pressure in the chest area can also be a symptom of heart problems and anxiety. So if you have any type of chest pain, make an appointment to see your doctor immediately.
Consistent Coughing
Do you have a nagging, ongoing cough that won’t go away? If so, you need to see your doctor immediately. A prolonged cough may signify lung cancer or another severe respiratory disease. It can also indicate a tumor formed on the outer lining of your lungs, known as mesothelioma. A cough that won’t go away can also signify that cancer has spread from where it started to other parts of your body and is moving into your lungs.
Hoarseness Or Loss of Voice
If you’re experiencing hoarseness or a loss of voice, it could result from vocal cord problems. However, it can also be one of the subtle symptoms of lung cancer that may go unnoticed. Breathing in carcinogens such as cigarette smoke and asbestos puts you at very high risk for lung cancer. And, because the voice box is located right near your lungs, breathing harmful cancer-causing chemicals can lead to irritation of the vocal cords. If you have developed lung cancer, you may notice this same symptom persists. So if you ever see that you are losing your voice more frequently, it is best to report this symptom to your doctor.
Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying can be one of the more obvious signs of lung cancer. However, it is important to know that loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting are also subtle symptoms of lung cancer that may go unnoticed. Many people associate weight loss with cancer treatments, but it can also signify that your body isn’t receiving enough nourishment. As the disease progresses, you may experience more symptoms that can cause nausea or vomiting, such as pain in the abdomen area, leading to loss of appetite and weight loss. If you’re having trouble keeping your food down because of these symptoms, it is important to report this to a doctor.