4 Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer
According to the American Lung Association, approximately 373,489 Americans are living with lung cancer. In 2013, the American Cancer Society predicts about 228,190 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed.
Both of these statistics are sobering, however, a lung cancer diagnosis doesn’t always mean the worst. According to About.com Lung Cancer, the survival rate from lung cancer is better the earlier it’s caught, depending on the type and stage of the lung cancer. While you cannot prevent developing lung cancer, even if you’ve never smoked (exposure to secondhand smoke causes approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers every year, according to the American Lung Association), you can make yourself alert to early symptoms of lung cancer in yourself or a loved one.
Check out a few of those symptoms as outlined by About.com Lung Cancer:
In addition to these symptoms, be wary of any abnormal changes in your body. Always consult your doctor if you experience increased fatigue, decreased appetite, unexplained weight loss or depression, especially if you are a smoker.
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- A Cough That Doesn’t Go Away – Contrary to what many may believe, a cough that does not go away (also known as a chronic cough) is not a normal part of aging. Do not dismiss a cough that lasts for months as allergies or a lingering symptom from a cold. A chronic cough can be especially difficult to catch if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergies or gastroesophageal reflux.
- Shortness of Breath With Activity – As bodies age, it becomes more difficult to perform physical activity, such as hiking or playing sports. While bone loss and slowed metabolism are normal signs of aging, extreme shortness of breath is not. Do not blame extreme shortness of breath on getting older or being out-of-shape, especially if you currently smoke or have smoked in the past.
- Pain/Aching in the Shoulder, Back, Chest or Arm – As many as 50 percent of people with lung cancer have some chest or shoulder pain at the time of diagnosis. This is because lung cancers may press on nerves, resulting in pain. Do not ignore pain or aching in your shoulder, back, chest or arm that doesn’t seem to be related to an injury.
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- Repeated Infections – Repeated episodes of infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia may be due to conditions such as COPD, but they could also be an early symptom of lung cancer. Lung cancer tumors located near an airway can cause an obstruction that predisposes you to these infections. Do not self-diagnose bronchitis or pneumonia. Go to the doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of either infection and ask about further testing if you have contracted the infections repeatedly in a short time frame.
