World Lung Cancer Day 2024: 6 subtle signs you need to watch out for
World Lung Cancer Day 2024: One of the most common types of cancer, Lung cancer is the leading cause of over a million cancer-related deaths globally. As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) even in India, the cases of lung cancer are increasing rapidly and are the cause of 10% cancer deaths. As a result, World Lung Cancer Day is observed worldwide every year on August 1, to raise awareness and highlight the importance of early detection. Let's take a look at these 6 surprising signs of lung cancer that don't involve your lungs.
Lung cancer symptoms that don't involve the lungs
1) 'Fatter' fingertips
Officially termed 'Finger Clubbing', it happens when an underlying disease changes the appearance, shape or size of your fingertips and the area surrounding your nails. According to a study, sometimes conditions linked to lung health can increase the flow of blood to your fingertips making them appear larger.
2) Shoulder and back pain
Persistent shoulder pain that worsens when you are breathing deeply or coughing is often linked to diseases involving the lungs. Also, a rare type of lung cancer called Pancoast tumour causes your shoulder, back and arms to hurt instead of affecting the respiratory system because it grows in the upper part of the lung and spreads to your ribs, vertebrae in your spine, nerves, and blood vessels.
3) Changes in vision
A sudden and significant change in vision or persistent pain around an eye is an indicator that the lung cancer has metastasized or spread to the area behind the eye. According to a 2014 research study, in several cases, this change was the first sign symptom which led to the diagnosis of the underlying lung cancer.
4) Puffy face
In some cases, a puffy face, especially in the morning, can be a sign of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome resulting from partial or complete obstruction of blood flow from the upper body to the heart which indicates a tumour near the vein in the lung.
5) Changes in voice
In cases when a tumour presses on nerves controlling the voice box, it can bring about a change in your voice. Additionally, most lung cancer patients complain of hoarseness with a significant number of them reporting having perpetual difficulty in speaking.
6) Feeling off-balance
As per WebMD, small-cell lung cancer can sometimes lead to your own immune system attacking you. This can adversely affect your muscles and you can have difficulty standing after you've been sitting or you may feel off-balance or unsteady when you do so. Further, if you have a tumour crowding the superior vena cava, a vein responsible for the flow of blood from head to your heart, in the upper right lung it can make you feel dizzy.
While early detection of lung cancer is paramount, its prevention is equally important. Avoiding smoking as well as secondhand smoke, using protective face masks in times of excessive air pollution, staying up-to-date with health checkups, exercising regularly and generally taking care of overall health are just some of the ways people can protect their lungs.
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