Lesser-known symptoms of 'silent killer' cancer that's second-most common in UK

Despite 79 per cent of cases being 'preventable' a staggering 48,549 people die each year from the disease in the UK alone. So, here are all the symptoms you should look out for - and when you need to contact your GP

The second-most common cancer in the UK is hard to detect - but spotting symptoms early is vital to increase chances of survival.

There are a staggering 48,549 cases of lung cancer every year in the UK alone - that's more than 130 new diagnoses each day. Leading charity Cancer Research UK warns that despite 34,771 dying from the disease annually, 79 per cent of cases are in fact 'preventable'.

Wales Online reports that 'immediately' quitting cigarettes if you're a smoker is the best way to prevent lung cancer. In fact, it states: "After 12 years of not smoking, your chance of developing lung cancer falls to more than half that of someone who smokes. After 15 years, your chances of getting lung cancer are almost the same as someone who has never smoked."

So, here's what to look out for and when you should contact your doctor.

According to the NHS, symptoms of lung cancer do not usually present themselves in the 'early stages' - but you could start to notice the following if the condition develops:

• Persistent cough (aka a cough that doesn't go away after three weeks)
• Persistent breathlessness
• Chest infections that keep coming back
• Unexplained tiredness and weight loss
• An ache/ pain with breathing or coughing
• Coughing up blood

Less common symptoms of lung cancer may also occur, but these overlap with many other medical conditions such heartburn, acid reflux, and physical injury. Still, you should watch out for:

• Changes in the appearance of your fingers (including finger clubbing)
• Difficulty swallowing or experiencing pain when swallowing
• A hoarse voice
• Wheezing
• Persistent chest or shoulder pain
• Swelling of the face/ neck

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You should contact your GP if you're showing any of the above symptoms; doctors will examine your general health and may ask you to breathe into a spirometer to see how much air you can breathe out in one forced breath. You may also be asked to have a blood test to rule out other health issues such as a chest infection.

Aside from quitting smoking, research suggests that hitting your five-a-day and following a low-fat, high-fibre diet may reduce your risk of cancers, including lung cancer. The NHS stats there is also 'some evidence' to show that regular exercise can also act as a preventative - especially in smokers or ex smokers.

If you or a loved on is struggling with cancer, you can get help and support here.

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