There are five key changes to look out for to identify lung cancer, according to an expert.
Doctor Amri Khan revealed the key signs the keep an eye out for during his appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain earlier today.
The medical professional was a guest on the show this morning as they discussed calls for nationwide screening to help detect lung cancer early, reports The Mirror.
From shoulder pain to the shape on your fingernails, the doctor pointed out the signs to spot with some overlapping coronavirus symptoms.
One in 13 UK males and one in 15 UK females will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime, according to Cancer Research UK.
(Image: Getty)
Speaking to show hosts Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard, he said: “Not every cough is Covid, I think that’s the important message to get across.
“If you have an unexplained cough for three weeks or more, then you said go and see a clinician about that and you may need further investigation. Particularly if you’re a smoker.
“Smokers are at increased risk of lung cancer but as we’ve heard there, it’s not just smokers. Other causes include air pollution, occupational exposures as well, so there are other risks.”
He then went on to explain some of the symptoms, which included shoulder pain and a chance in the shape of fingernails.
“Symptoms that people should be looking out for includes coughing up blood but it could be a change in your voice. If your voice has become hoarse, that could be a sign of lung cancer – particularly if its been going on for three weeks or more,” he said.
“A shortness of breath for three weeks or more. If you’re a smoker and you have unexplained tiredness, losing weight, even a change in the shape of your fingernails if you’re a smoker could be a sign of lung cancer. Shoulder pain is another symptom.”
Urging people to go to the doctors, he added: “So any of these things, if they’re unexplained, you’re not sure why – go and see or speak to a clinician and we’ll see if you need further investigations.”
However, Dr Khan admitted there are “some overlaps” with Covid.
“There’s some overlaps with Covid and lung cancer symptoms but if they’ve been going on for over three weeks or more, go and see someone,” he said, as he asked people to get themselves checked if he was concerned.
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