Even if you’ve never smoked… 7 signs of lung cancer that women should also watch out for

Prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, etc.

A cough that persists for several months can be a sign of lung cancer. [사진=클립아트코리아]

5% to 15% of lung cancer patients are nonsmokers. Even if you don’t smoke, you can get lung cancer. Lung cancer has a higher mortality rate than breast and colorectal cancer. According to ‘Women’s Health’, an American health and lifestyle women’s magazine, it is advisable to consult a doctor if the following symptoms appear regardless of whether you smoke or not.

Frequent bronchitis

Frequent infection with infectious diseases such as bronchitis or pneumonia is evidence of a tumor or lesion that blocks the airways. If mucus is secreted in a state where air communication is not good, infection becomes more frequent.

A cough that does not go away

If the cough persists for several months, it is best to see a doctor. Diagnosis should be made by chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT). Experts say, “CT is an early method of diagnosing asymptomatic lung cancer.”

Weight loss for no reason

Unintentional weight loss is a red flag for health. In particular, cancer should be suspected. Cancer steals nutrients that the body needs to absorb. What’s more, it creates hormone-like substances that disrupt your body’s balance, which can lead to weight loss. Experts advise, “If you have lost 5 to 10 percent of your weight without even trying to lose weight, it is better to see a doctor.”

Swelling of the neck and face

Large malignant tumors are a symptom of superior venous syndrome, which prevents blood from returning to the heart from the head and shoulders. Among malignancies, lung cancer is the most common, and among lung cancers, it is most likely small cell cancer.

Decreased strength

Lung cancer affects muscles. Asthenia of the hips, shoulders, arms, and legs is common. Experts say, “The feeling of muscle weakness comes with extreme fatigue, so it’s difficult to distinguish the two.”

△ cut blood

If blood comes out when you cough, you should see a doctor. Experts say, “Heat blood patients usually come to the hospital with fear. It may be a symptom of lung cancer, but it may also be a symptom of a general infection.” “But, unless it’s a temporary hemoptysis, it’s best to see a doctor before you vomit a fist-sized piece of blood,” they advise.

The bone pain

When lung cancer spreads to other organs, pain can be felt deep in the bones or joints. Experts say that “pain in the back, especially in the buttocks, is common.”

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