Tell-tale signs you may have second most common cancer in UK

In the UK, the most common cancer for men is prostrate. For women in the UK, it is breast cancer. For both men and women, the most common is lung cancer, according to figures from Cancer Research and the Government.

There are thought to be more than 200 types of cancer. However, breast, prostate, lung and bowel cancer together account for more than half (53%) of all new cases in the UK.

According to Cancer Research UK, 79% of lung cancer cases are preventable. Meanwhile, 72% of lung cancer cases in the UK are caused by smoking.

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A person’s risk of developing cancer depends on many factors, including age, genetics, and exposure to risk factors (including some potentially avoidable lifestyle factors). Nearly 1 in 13 UK females and 1 in 14 UK males will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime.

In 2021, 134,802 people died from cancer in England. The number of deaths has increased by 6% since 2001. Experts predict there could be around 66,200 new cases of lung cancer every year in the UK by 2038-2040.

Lung cancer in particular is often known as a 'silent killer' because there are usually no signs or symptoms of lung cancer in the early stages. Symptoms develop as the condition progresses.

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

See a GP if you have any of the main symptoms of lung cancer or any of the less common symptoms.

What are the two types of lung cancer?

There are two main forms of primary lung cancer, the NHS says. These are classified by the type of cells in which the cancer starts growing. 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 which treatments are recommended.

How can I lower my risk of lung cancer?

According to the NHS, if you smoke, the best way to prevent lung cancer and other serious conditions is to stop smoking as soon as possible. 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.

Research suggests that eating a low-fat, high-fibre diet, including at least five portions a day of fresh fruit and vegetables 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 to show that regular exercise may lower the risk of getting lung cancer, particularly 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.

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