Lung cancer symptoms are most often associated with the lungs. Many people know a cough that lasts for more than three weeks could be a sign of lung cancer. But disease can also affect other parts of the body.
“I presumed I was having my shoulder x-rayed but the doctor had actually ordered a chest x-ray. I was about to walk out – my chest felt fine – but the nurse persuaded me to stay.
“Thank God she did; the results revealed a shadow on my left lung. I was diagnosed with stage 1A non-small cell lung cancer in my upper left lobe. I couldn’t have been more shocked.”
Fortunately, because of Pat’s age and health, she was able to have surgery to remove the affected lobe.
She continued: “I had a lobectomy just two weeks later. Luckily, it hadn’t affected my lymph nodes and I didn’t need any further treatment. I’m now cancer free.”
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The main symptoms of lung cancer
The main symptoms of the disease are listed by the NHS as:
- 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
Due to coronavirus, the UK government is currently advising people to visit their GP surgery’s website or to use an online service to contact their GP.
You can also call your GP surgery.
Your GP surgery will then give you advice about what to do.
The NHS advises: “A phone or video call with a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional may be booked for you.
“You’ll only be asked to visit the surgery if absolutely necessary.
“Your GP surgery may be very busy at the moment and you may have to wait longer than usual to speak to someone if it’s not urgent.”