The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) issued a report last year citing the rapid emergence of lung cancer cases, which are expected to reach an alarming 1.4 lac by 2020. Looking at the statistics, it is clear that the disease has spread its deadly roots throughout the country, and the time has come for people to begin taking preventive measures.
One of the primary causes of this increase is patients’ late diagnosis. Because lung cancer does not manifest visible symptoms until it has progressed to an advanced stage, proper treatment becomes extremely difficult. Even when people notice early signs of lung cancer, their ignorance causes them to ignore them. This ignorance and negligence would later prove fatal.
As a result, it is critical that everyone is aware of such warning signs so that they can get a timely diagnosis and save their lives. As a first step towards greater awareness, we have listed the early symptoms and signs of lung cancer. Be safe and read them!
Persistent Cough
If your cough persists after two weeks, you may have lung cancer. Coughing with mucus can be dry or wet, but if it lasts for an unusually long time, action should be taken. Don’t ignore a chronic cough and instead visit a nearby doctor for an early screening.
Blood in Cough
Another symptom is when your constant cough becomes quite deep and hoarse, with some blood. You may also cough up rusty phlegm (sputum). If you notice any of these changes in your coughing, you should seek medical attention right away.
Chronic Chest pain
A person suffering from lung cancer experiences chronic chest pain in addition to coughing problems. The pain may also radiate to the shoulders or back. Such pain can be caused by enlarged lymph nodes or metastasis to the chest wall, the lining around the lungs called the pleura, or the ribs.
Wheezing and Breathlessness
Shortness of breath or a whistling sound when breathing can also be associated with lung cancer. This occurs when the airways become congested. Though there could be many other easily treatable causes, you should see a doctor to get it checked out because it could be a sign of lung cancer.
Hoarse and Rough Voice
Voice changes may also indicate a problem with your lungs. As a result, if you notice that your voice has become significantly deeper, hoarser, or raspier, you should make an appointment with a doctor. It is important to note that when a tumor affects the nerve that controls the larynx, hoarseness in the voice can last for more than two weeks.
Aside from the above-mentioned early signs and symptoms of lung cancer, one may also experience weight loss, bone pain, headache, weakness, or fatigue, among other things, as a result of the disease. Furthermore, if you are an active smoker or have a smoking history, you are at a higher risk of lung cancer than others. As a result, you must never ignore these warning signs. Remember, an early diagnosis can save your life and help you live a healthy tomorrow.
Rohilkhand Cancer Institute provides holistic and integrated care 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help you fight lung cancer. We have also opened the city’s first stand-alone cancer daycare center in Bareilly, which is exclusively for cancer patients.