NHS issues cancer warning as 'three-week' symptom could be cancer
One particular sign could indicate the most deadly type of cancer in the UK, which kills around 33,100 Brits every year
People have been urged to see their GP if they experience a symptom lasting three weeks or longer. According to the NHS, a cough that persists for this length of time could be caused by a deadly disease that kills around 33,100 Brits every year.
Coughs are a common ailment that many people suffer from throughout the year. They can be a sign of a seasonal illness such as a cold, flu or even Covid.
They may also be triggered by hay fever, allergies or exposure to irritants like dust or smoke. However, in certain instances, they could signal a more serious issue.
In a recent post on social media platform X, the NHS cautioned that a cough persisting for over three weeks could potentially be a symptom of lung cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, this is the deadliest form of cancer in the UK, responsible for 20 per cent of all cancer-related deaths.
As reported by The Mirror, the NHS advised: "Contact your GP practice if you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms of lung cancer. It's probably nothing serious, but early diagnosis and treatment can save lives."
In an accompanying infographic, it outlined the following symptoms:
- A cough that lasts for three weeks or more
- A long-standing cough that gets worse
- Recurring chest infections
- Coughing up blood
- An ache or pain when breathing in or coughing
- Persistent breathlessness
- Constant tiredness or lack of energy
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
The NHS has advised: "Contact your GP if you're experiencing any of these symptoms."On the NHS website, it says that less common symptoms of lung cancer include:
- Changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger (this is known as finger clubbing)
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing
- Wheezing
- A hoarse voice
- Swelling of your face or neck
- Persistent chest or shoulder pain
The NHS further explains: "See a GP if you have symptoms of lung cancer, such as breathlessness or a persistent cough. The GP will ask about your general health and your symptoms.
"They may examine you and ask you to breathe into a device called a spirometer, which measures how much air you breathe in and out. You may be asked to have a blood test to rule out some of the possible causes of your symptoms, such as a chest infection."
Smoking cigarettes is the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer, accounting for more than seven out of 10 cases. Other causes of lung cancer include exposure to radon, asbestos, and coal and coke fumes, among other substances.
If you need help to stop smoking, a list of services available can be found on the NHS website here.