Lung cancer symptoms: Warning signs of 'silent killer' that's second most common in UK

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK, according to the latest stats from the government and Cancer Research. Here are the symptoms to look out for

The 'silent killer' cancer that's the second most common in the UK has been revealed as lung cancer, according to latest government and Cancer Research statistics.

For men, prostate cancer tops the list, while for women, it's breast cancer. There are believed to be over 200 types of cancer, but breast, prostate, lung, and bowel cancers account for more than half (53 per cent) of all new cases in the UK. Cancer Research UK states that a staggering 79 per cent of lung cancer cases could be prevented, with smoking being the cause of 72 per cent of these cases in the UK.

The risk of developing cancer is influenced by numerous factors, including age, genetics, and exposure to risk factors, some of which are potentially avoidable lifestyle choices. Nearly 1 in 13 UK females and 1 in 14 UK males will be diagnosed with lung cancer during their lifetime.

In 2021, cancer claimed the lives of 134,802 people in England, marking a 6% increase since 2001. Experts predict that by 2038-2040, there could be around 66,200 new cases of lung cancer each year in the UK, reports Wales Online. Lung cancer is often referred to as a 'silent killer' due to the lack of signs or symptoms in its early stages, with symptoms only appearing as the condition progresses.

The main symptoms of lung cancer include:

• a cough that does not go away after three weeks
• a long-standing cough that gets worse
• chest infections that keep coming back
• coughing up blood
• an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
• persistent breathlessness
• persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

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

If you experience any of the main or less common symptoms of lung cancer, it's advised to see a GP.

What are the two types of lung cancer?

According to the NHS, there are two main types of primary lung cancer, which are categorised by the type of cells where the cancer begins. They are:

• non-small-cell lung cancer – the most common form, accounting for around 80 to 85 out of 100 cases. It can be one of three types: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma or large-cell carcinoma.
• small-cell lung cancer – a less common form that usually spreads faster than non-small-cell lung cancer.

The type of lung cancer you have determines the recommended treatments.

How can I lower my risk of lung cancer?

The NHS advises that if you're a smoker, the best way to prevent lung cancer and other serious conditions is to quit smoking as soon as possible. After 12 years of being smoke-free, your risk of developing lung cancer drops to more than half that of a smoker. After 15 years, your chances of getting lung cancer are nearly the same as someone who has never smoked.

Research suggests that a low-fat, high-fibre diet, including at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables daily and plenty of wholegrains, can reduce your risk of lung cancer, as well as other types of cancer and heart disease.

There's some evidence that regular exercise may lower the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in people who smoke or used to smoke. It's recommended that most adults do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, plus strength-training exercises on at least two days each week.