Lung cancer doesn't always start with a cough, here's one of the first symptoms people don't pay attention to

2025-03-12 09:43:46 / JETË ALFA PRESS

Lung cancer doesn't always start with a cough, here's one of the first

Nowadays, everything is attributed to stress, lack of sleep, or general exhaustion, including fatigue. However, if you experience unexplained fatigue that lasts for a long time, you should pay attention.

Chronic fatigue is one of the symptoms of lung cancer that patients often report, especially in the later stages of the disease.

Difficulty breathing caused by lung cancer can lead to a pronounced feeling of fatigue, Cancer Research UK points out.

In addition, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity can make breathing even more difficult, which further increases fatigue.

Other symptoms of lung cancer

In addition to unexplained fatigue, the British National Health Service also lists the following symptoms that may indicate lung cancer:

A cough that doesn't go away after three weeks

A persistent cough that gets worse

Recurrent respiratory infections

Chest pain when breathing or coughing

Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

Less common symptoms include changes in the fingers such as thickening of the tips, difficulty swallowing, and pain when swallowing.

When to seek medical help?

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment.

Most cases of lung cancer are linked to smoking, but non-smokers can also get the disease. Quitting smoking at any time reduces the risk, dropping by more than 50% after 12 years, and after 15 years it almost reaches the level of non-smokers, according to the British National Health Service.

In addition to quitting smoking, a balanced diet and regular exercise also help reduce the risk. The National Health Service recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as walking or cycling, as well as strength training twice a week.