Symptoms of lung cancer can be subtle and are often overlooked or attributed to other causes, especially if they are in the early stages of the disease. While not stressing about every little symptom is a good thing, it’s essential to be aware of potential signs and seek medical attention if there are concerning, persistent, or worsening symptoms. The sooner a diagnosis is received, the sooner treatment like NSCLC treatment and Opdivo for lung cancer can be administered, making recovery a more likely outcome. Here are lung cancer symptoms that are often overlooked:

1. Persistent cough
Coughs are common and are often attributed to the common cold, respiratory infections, or allergies; however, a persistent or chronic cough that lasts for an abnormally long time can be a symptom of lung cancer. If you have a cough that just won’t go away, it’s a good idea to pay your doctor a visit to get checked out.

2. Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is a symptom of lung cancer, but it is often mistakenly blamed on aging or lack of physical fitness. It’s best not to ignore this symptom, so be sure to get yourself examined by a medical professional if your shortness of breath is persistent or raising concern

3. Chest pain
Dull, aching, or sharp chest pain that is persistent or causes discomfort is a symptom that should not be ignored as it is associated with lung cancer. In particular, if the pain is present when breathing deeply or coughing, this should be an immediate raise for concern.

4. Unexplained weight loss
While some individuals may believe that shedding a few pounds is a sign of health, if you have not actively attempted losing weight and the loss is unexplained, it can actually be a sign of health issues including lung cancer.

5. Fatigue
Although fatigue is a common symptom that accompanies many conditions, unexplained and persistent fatigue is a cause for concern as it can be a symptom of lung cancer. If your tiredness doesn’t go away with a good night’s sleep or daily naps, it’s probably best if you visit your healthcare provider

6. Hoarseness
Chronic hoarseness or voice changes is a symptom of lung cancer and can occur when the tumor affects the nerves controlling the vocal cords. If your voice changes or you’re feeling hoarse persistently with no explanation, it would be best to get checked out.