Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world, just behind heart disease.
In women, breast cancer is the most common, while men are primarily affected by prostate cancer. However, lung cancer ranks second on the list of cancers that affect both men and women.
When it comes to lung cancer, or any cancer in general, catching it early is of crucial importance in the fight against it.
However, the symptoms of lung cancer are different in men and women.
When it comes to women, the most common type of lung cancer they are affected by is adenocarcinoma. What is typical of this type is that it is hard to be detected early because it spreads on the outer parts of the lungs. In most cases, it spreads quickly throughout the entire body.
Symptoms that may indicate adenocarcinoma are:
- Fatigue
- Back and shoulder pain
- Shortness of breath when exercising
In case the cancer progresses, the symptoms may include:
- Persistent cough
- Pain in chest, shoulders, and back
- Increased mucus and a change in color
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarse voice
- Harsh sound when breathing (medically referred to as stridor)
- Coughing up mucus or phlegm tinged with blood
- Coughing up blood
This type of lung cancer can likely affect lymph nodes, bones, brain, liver, and adrenal glands.
In men, the type of lung cancer that is most common is known as squamous cell carcinoma, or non-small cell lung cancer which develops in the central part of the lungs, near the main airway (bronchus).
The most common symptoms of squamous cell carcinomas are:
- Chronic cough
- Wheezing
- Repeatedly experiencing lung infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis
Since most men relate these changes with their lifestyle, such as excessive smoking, they can be easily overlooked.
If you experience any of these symptoms and believe they may be related to cancer, seek medical help.