Taking in oxygen and getting rid of carbon dioxide are your lungs’ main functions. When you breathe in, air enters through your mouth/nose and goes into your lungs through the trachea (windpipe). The trachea divides into tubes called bronchi which enter the lungs and form smaller branches called bronchioles, at the end of which one can find tiny air sacs called alveoli. Lung cancers usually start in the bronchi, bronchioles or alveoli. As per the American Cancer Society, Lung Cancer now the second most common cancer, accounts for 25% of all cancer deaths. Early detection of Lung Cancer can help in better treatment thereby reducing associated risks. Following are 7 signs one should watch out for.

1. Chronic Cough

Lungs & breathing-related illnesses are usually accompanied by a cough either dry or with mucus. The cough is usually persistent, often getting worse with time.

2. Unusualness in Cough

Along with chronic cough, one must keep a watch out for any rust-coloured sputum or blood excreted with it.

3. Difficulty in Breathing

A change/shortness in breathing patterns while doing previously normal tasks like climbing a few stairs, walking, exercising etc.

4. Chest Pain

A pain in the chest area that often worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing. This pain may also extend to the shoulders & back. One must also note whether the pain is continuous or intermittent.

5. Unexplained Weight loss

A loss in appetite or an unexplained drop in weight must not be ignored and may be associated with Lung or other types of cancers.

6. General Fatigue

Cancer in the Lungs can also lead to the loss of Red Blood Cells (RBCs), and thereby oxygen in the blood. This results in general fatigue or a consistent feeling of being tired and weak.

7. Change In Voice

Developing a hoarse (change in voice) voice may also be related to Lung Cancer, especially if accompanied by chronic & unusual cough.

The above signs (common, not exhaustive) must never be ignored and a medical practitioner must be immediately consulted about the same. Besides this, as often advised one must give up smoking and always maintain a healthy lifestyle comprising of good food and exercise regimes.