Lung cancer is the single most deadly form of cancer in the UK, accounting for more than 20 percent of all cancer deaths every year.
It accounts for almost 35,000 deaths annually or 95 per day.
Therefore, spotting any of the warning signs of the disease is vital and potentially life-saving.
Some are more well-known than others. According to the NHS, one of the most common signs is a persistent cough that does not go away after three weeks.
You should also be on the lookout for blood when coughing and recurring chest infections.
However, there is one “less common” symptom that could appear when talking.
The NHS lists a hoarse voice, for which the medical term is dysphonia, as one sign of the disease.
This could make it more difficult to talk, and your voice could sound weaker and more strained.
According to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, hoarseness is a “less-known” symptom of lung cancer.
It explains: “It is often caused by an irritation or injury to the vocal cords. In most instances, the problem will go away on its own after a short period.
“However, if you are experiencing longer episodes of hoarseness, you should contact your GP practice.”
If you are experiencing hoarseness, your voice will sound different. It might be:
- Raspy
- Husky
- Strained
- Breathy
- Weak
- Inconsistent
- Tired.
The Cleveland Clinic adds that hoarseness can also be a sign of laryngeal cancer and throat cancer, as well as lung cancer, so it is worth getting it checked by a doctor if it lasts three weeks or longer.
“Most hoarseness happens because you overuse your voice and goes away on its own,” the clinic says.
“But you should talk to a healthcare provider if your voice is hoarse for three weeks or longer or if there are other concerning signs.”
But hoarseness can have many causes aside from cancer, many of which are nothing to worry about.
These can include laryngitis, misusing or overusing your voice and gastroesophageal reflux among others.
Lung cancer symptoms typically do not appear in the early stages of the disease.
The most common signs are:
- 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.
Other less common signs 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
- Swelling of your face or neck
- Persistent chest or shoulder pain.
Smoking cigarettes is the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer. It’s responsible for more than 70 percent of cases.
