What are the warning signs of lung cancer?

Verified by Dr. Tejinder Singh, Consultant Medical Oncology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai

The lungs form the resource for the body’s oxygen needs, it is vital to take appropriate measures to maintain optimal lung health at all times. Lung cancer most often starts developing in the lung tissue and may or may not spread to surrounding tissues and organs. The incidence of lung cancer has been on the rise (15-20%) in Indian women due to unknown reasons as per researchers.

It may not show any signs or symptoms in an individual until significant lung tissue has been damaged with the cancer. In some cases, individuals may ignore certain signs or may push them aside for regular flu or other illnesses. Recognizing and taking prompt action for any early signs & symptoms of lung cancer is highly recommended for early detection and curative management of lung cancer.

On the occasion of World Lung Cancer Awareness Month- November 2023, we would like to raise awareness among all about lung cancer by highlighting some of the important warning signs of lung cancer.

• Persistent cough
• Presence of blood in the coughed-out sputum
• Deep breathing, coughing or laughing leads to chest, arm, shoulder or back pain
• Loss of appetite
• Breathlessness
• Feeling increasingly tired in daily activities
• Weight loss which is unexplained
• Repeated and persistent infections occurring in the lungs, for e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia.

If you or your loved one have noticed any of the above symptoms, it is highly recommended to get yourself thoroughly assessed by a lung cancer specialist for any possibility of lung cancer. Early detection helps in the definitive management of lung cancer. Newer advances in its management include precision oncology and specific targeted therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Consult our medical oncology specialist, Dr. Tejinder Singh, at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai for all your queries concerning lung and other forms of cancer. Apollo provides all-round care for all forms of cancer from preventive, curative to palliative care for all individuals.

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Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.