Smoking is said to be one of the greatest risk factors of lung cancer. However, a recent study has shown that persistent cough could also be linked to lung cancer.
Here is an example of what smoking does to your lungs
Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that start off in one or both lungs. The abnormal cells divide rapidly and form tumours. If left untreated, the growth can spread to other parts of the body. As tumours become larger and more numerous, they undermine the lung’s ability to provide the bloodstream with oxygen. Lung cancer accounts for a total of 1,370,000 deaths worldwide.
According to a campaign titled Be Clear on Cancer Lung Campaign carried out in England for people over the age of 50 who are most at risk to die from long cancer says,
Anyone with a cough that has lasted for three weeks or more should see a doctor.
The main symptom is chronic cough – although most instances of this will not be due to cancer.
Other symptoms of lung cancer include:
- cough that has gotten worse or changes
- repeated chest infections
- coughing up blood
- breathlessness
- feeling more tired than usual for some time
- losing weight for no obvious reason
- an ache or pain in your chest or shoulder that has lasted some time
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said:
More people die from lung cancer than any other cancer in England, but many people don’t know the signs and symptoms that could save their lives.
The message from this campaign is clear – if you have a persistent cough, go and see your doctor. The earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the more likely that treatment will be successful.”
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