Pope Leo XIV has been discharged from hospital after having surgery for lung cancer – a condition he says was ‘well-contained’ and caught ‘at an early stage’ after doctors found a nodule on his lung.
As with all forms of cancer, early detection is crucial to increasing the chance of successful treatment; further tests are now being done to see whether the Pope’s cancer has spread to other areas.
And while the Pope’s cancer was caught during a routine abdominal investigation – according to his doctors, he had no symptoms of illness or infection – getting suspicious symptoms checked out by your doctor is an effective way to catch cancer in its early stages and get things sorted.
‘Although many symptoms associated with lung cancer can have less serious causes, getting them checked promptly is important,’ explains Dr Jiri Kubes, an oncologist and Proton Therapy Center medical director. ‘If cancer is found, the stage at diagnosis can influence which treatments are available.’
7 Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore
1. A cough that won’t go away
If you have a cough that’s lasted more than three weeks – particularly if it’s getting worse or has changed from your ‘usual’ cough – make sure to book an appointment with your GP.
2. Coughing Up Blood
Even small spots or streaks of blood in your phlegm should be a trigger to seek medical advice.
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‘Do not assume it is simply irritation from coughing,’ Dr Kubes suggests.
3. Breathlessness
If everyday activities are leaving you feeling breathless – especially if you’ve noticed that existing breathlessness is worsening – you should speak to your doctor to work out what’s triggering it.
4. Repeated Chest Infections
Struggling to shake a chest infection, or dealing with one that won’t seem to clear up, no matter what you do? A trip to your doctor is advised, Dr Kubes explains.
5. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without any obvious explanation – for example, a change in your diet or activity levels – always warrants a check-in with your doctor. It could be a sign of many underlying health problems, not just cancer.
6. Persistent Chest or Shoulder Pain
Discomfort or pain in your chest or shoulder – particularly if it gets worse when breathing or coughing – is another possible warning sign of lung cancer. Get it checked out.
7. Constant Tiredness or Loss of Appetite
It might seem unrelated, but feeling unusually exhausted or drained, or losing your appetite without an obvious explanation, can be triggered by lung cancer – particularly if it’s accompanied by other symptoms on this list.
However, it’s worth getting this kind of symptom checked out regardless.
Other Symptoms of Lung Cancer to Look Out For
According to the NHS, less common symptoms of lung cancer – which you should still get checked out by a GP – include:
- Swelling of your face or neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- A hoarse voice that does not go away
- Changes in the way your fingers look (clubbing) – your fingertips may look wider than usual or curve downwards
‘Having one or more of these symptoms does not mean you have cancer; however, if something persists, gets worse or feels unusual for you, do not simply wait for it to disappear,’ Dr Kubes says.
‘Lung cancer can also affect people who have never smoked. Smoking is the biggest risk factor, but it is not the only one, so it is important not to dismiss concerning symptoms based on your smoking history.’
If you find yourself struggling to breathe – for example, you’re choking, gasping or unable to speak – or have pain in your chest or upper back, then the NHS recommends calling 999 or visiting A&E immediately.
Lauren Geall is deputy site editor for Women’s Health UK and Men’s Health UK. She graduated from Exeter University with a BA in English Literature before studying an MA in Magazine Journalism at City, University London. She’s been writing about health, fitness and wellbeing for over five years, with a total of seven years in digital journalism. Prior to her current role, she worked at Stylist as the acting health and fitness editor. As well as being a keen runner, Lauren is passionate about women’s sport and can often be found cheering on Arsenal Women at the Emirates or keeping tabs on the Red Roses’ latest win.
