Cancer symptoms are often vague and subtle, making the condition hard to identify. Fortunately, knowing what to look for could be the first step towards prompt detection. A doctor has shared four warning signs of lung cancer that could appear first thing in the morning.
While a stubborn cough is an infamous warning sign of lung cancer, other parts of your body could also break the news of the scary condition.
Dr Anita Raja, NHS GP, explained that patients struck by the deadly condition can notice symptoms straight after they wake up.
While everyone can feel a bit tired and poorly the first thing in the morning, the following signs shouldn’t be ignored.
Dr Raja said: “The patient may feel that they are waking up drenched in sweat, along with a fever.
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“If this is accompanied with a dry cough of more than three weeks or blood in your sputum this may indicate lung cancer.”
In case you aren’t aware, sputum, also known as phlegm, describes a thick type of mucus made in your lungs.
If you have a chronic illness that targets the lungs, it can make you cough up sputum.
The doctor added that you should “seek urgent medical attention” if you suffer from any of these symptoms.
The NHS explains that most symptoms develop as the condition progresses.
The good news is that there are a few ways to reduce your risk of the culprit.
Smoking is considered the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer, which makes quitting essential.
Furthermore, a healthy diet packed with fruits and vegetables is a key when it comes to reducing your risk of any cancer.
The Mayo Clinic also recommends taking precautions to protect yourself from exposure to toxic chemicals at work in order to minimise your risk.
