Lung cancer is the second-most common type of cancer. Most cases are a condition called non-small cell lung cancer, and the vast majority of cases are associated with smoking cigarettes. Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. However, as fewer people smoke, the incidence of lung cancer has been steadily declining. Most lung cancer victims are life-long smokers in their 60s and 70s. Although the outlook for advanced lung cancer isn’t great, cases caught early have a good chance of being controlled by new targeted treatments. Here are some early warning signs of lung cancer to watch out for:
1. Worsening cough
Although most smokers tend to cough regularly, a worsening cough should induce concern. Normal coughing is a protective mechanism intended to expel noxious substances from the lungs. Lung cancers often secrete substances that either directly stimulate the coughing reflex or trigger an inflammatory response in the lung that triggers the coughing reflex.
2. Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum should always cause some concern. In many cases, the source of the blood is a simple nosebleed, but it can also mean lung cancer is bleeding into the lungs. Non-smokers who cough up blood should be aware that metastatic tumors from other parts of the body often take up residence in the lung and can bleed. Any coughing up blood not clearly related to a nosebleed should initiate an urgent visit to a healthcare professional. In some cases, the bleeding tumor can go on to rupture and cause massive blood loss.
3. Chest pain
Lung tumors form a mass inside the lung and displace other tissues and press on nerves. This can cause anything from a strange sense of fullness in the chest to overt sharp pain, especially when coughing or during exertion. Any chest pain unrelated to a trauma that gets worse or fails to resolve within a few weeks should initiate a visit to a healthcare professional.
5. Hoarseness
Hoarseness in lung cancer is a complex symptom. In some cases, it is simply caused by irritation of the throat due to chronic coughing or using the voice at high volumes too much. In other cases, the lung tumor grows and presses on the laryngeal nerve in the chest, damaging it, which leads to a hoarse voice.
6. Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is primarily due to the tumor growing and blocking the air passages, basically rendering large parts of the lung nonfunctional. It can also be caused by fluid accumulating in the chest due to the tumor irritating the pleural lining. Once the chest becomes full of fluid, it is difficult to expand the lungs during breathing.
7. Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of lung cancer. It is primarily triggered by the inflammatory process, which causes immune cells to release massive amounts of cytokines. Chronic coughing and difficulty breathing can further contribute to this symptom.
8. Weight loss
Cancer often causes unintended weight loss. Cancers consume a lot of calories to fuel their rapid growth. Cancer also triggers inflammation in the body, which causes immune cells to release cytokines, which suppress appetite. In addition, many tumors release molecules that affect the metabolism of the entire body. This condition is called “cachexia”. The tumor causes the body to begin breaking itself down. Loss of lean muscle mass is often the first sign of cachexia, followed by loss of appetite and body fat.
