According to a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, there are “a number of physical sensations that are often not specific, are not easily understood and are often not initially recognized as indicative of lung cancer by the sufferer”. This often leads to delayed diagnosis, the researchers warned. To solve this problem, they tried to determine if some physical sensations are more common in cancer patients before diagnosis than others. Although it is difficult to attribute physical sensations to cancer itself, by identifying patterns among cancer patients, it reinforces the hypothesis that a given physical sensation is a result of cancer. READ MORE: Cancer Warning: Pain in four areas of the body can signal potentially deadly disease According to Cancer Research UK, general signs include weight loss, fatigue or unexplained pain.
How to answer
The NHS says: “While it is unlikely to be cancer, it is important to talk to a doctor so he or she can investigate.” According to the health organization, early detection of cancer means that it is easier to treat. “If your doctor suspects cancer, he or she will refer you to a specialist – usually within two weeks.”
Are you in danger?
Anyone can develop cancer, but there are some factors that put you at greater risk. Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will get cancer. Also, the absence of risk factors does not mean that you will not develop cancer. “For most people, aging is the biggest risk factor for developing cancer,” says Macmillan Cancer Support. The only major modifiable risk factor for cancer is smoking – in the UK, more than one in four cancer deaths (over 25 per cent) are caused by smoking, warns the charity. “Inhaling other people’s smoke (secondhand smoke) also increases the risk of cancer,” warns the health agency. In addition, being overweight increases the risk of many types of cancer, including cancers of the bowel, kidney, uterus and esophagus (esophagus). A body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9 means you are overweight. BMI is a measure of whether you have a healthy weight for your height. It is the most widely used method to check if you have a healthy weight.