Lung cancer symptom that's hard to spot in January shouldn't be ignored

17 January 2024 , 09:13

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Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK (Stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with more than 430,000 people receiving a diagnosis each year in the UK.

The disease mainly effects older people, with more than four in 10 people diagnosed with lung cancer aged 75 or above. Smoking is a huge risk factor and the most common cause - but also people who have never even touched a cigarette can get diagnosed with lung cancer. Genetics and second hand smoking are also risk factors.

However, most people do not show any symptoms in the early stages and only pick up on signs when they've had the condition for a while. So it's particularly important to pick up on signs - as early detection is key.

One particular symptom can be difficult to spot around this time of year - but being aware of it will make it easier to spot. According to the NHS, there are several symptoms that could be caused by lung cancer: a persistent cough, coughing up blood, persistent breathlessness, unexplained tiredness and weight loss, and an ache or pain when breathing or coughing. If you're concerned about these symptoms and they're not going away, you should contact your GP.

But there's one less obvious symptom that might go amiss, especially as Brits across the nation are trying to shed a few pounds and stick to their New Year resolution - unexplained weight loss. Even if you're not following a strict diet, eating less than usual in January is common as most of us over indulged over the Christmas period and went out to eat more frequently than they normally would.

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Around 60 per cent of people with lung cancer say they had a loss of appetite and significant weight loss at the time of their diagnosis. The medical term for this is 'cachexia' and is the result of the body not being able to absorb all of the fat, protein, and carbs from the food you eat.

Experts at the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation recommend anyone concerned about these symptoms should weight themselves once a week at the same time of day - making sure they're weighing the same clothes or 'similar weighted clothing'. "If you don’t have any scales, you can keep an eye on how your clothes are fitting you," they added. "If your clothes are becoming looser, or if your watch or rings don’t fit as well, then you should contact your doctor."

Liam Gilliver