WE all know that a persistent cough is a sign of coronavirus, but it can also be a sign of one of the most deadly types of cancer.
Around 47,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with lung cancer every year.
In the first stages of the illness there are usually no symptoms and these only usually become visible in the later stages.
Dr Amir Khan today revealed the key signs of lung cancer you need to look out for.
He was appearing on Good Morning Britain alongside former of secretary of state for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire’s wife Cathy.
Mr Brokenshire died of the illness in October last year and Cathy is now raising awareness of the condition and is trying to make screening more accesible.
Dr Khan explained that one of the most important messages people need to understand at the moment, is that not every cough is Covid.
He said: “If you have an unexplained cough for three weeks or more, then you said go and see a clinician about that and you may need further investigation. Particularly if you’re a smoker.
“Smokers are at increased risk of lung cancer but as we’ve heard there, it’s not just smokers.
“Other causes include air pollution, occupational exposures as well, so there are other risks.”
He said there could be some symptom overlaps with Covid, but if they have been going on for three weeks or more then you need to get checked out.
Dr Khan explained the symptoms you need to know: “Symptoms that people should be looking out for includes coughing up blood but it could be a change in your voice.
“If your voice has become hoarse, that could be a sign of lung cancer – particularly if its been going on for three weeks or more.
“A shortness of breath for three weeks or more. If you’re a smoker and you have unexplained tiredness, losing weight, even a change in the shape of your fingernails if you’re a smoker could be a sign of lung cancer.
