Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers to be diagnosed in the UK, according to the NHS. It’s also one of the most serious types of cancer, as it’s usually difficult to spot until it’s spread to other parts of the body. Signs of the disease only tend to reveal themselves after the cancer has spread through the lungs. You could be at risk of lung cancer if you notice your eyes have turned a yellow colour, it’s been revealed.
A yellowing of the eyes could be a warning sign of lung cancer, according to the British Lung Foundation.
It could be caused by jaundice, which is where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow.
You should speak to a doctor straight away if you think you’re at risk of jaundice.
“You often won’t have any symptoms of lung cancer until a tumour becomes quite large,” said the charity.
“This means it might only be discovered when you have an X-ray or scan for a different reason.
“As your condition progresses, you’ll begin to experience symptoms, such as a hoarse voice, appetite loss, and blood in your mucus or phlegm.
“If you have a tumour that has spread outside your lungs, the first symptom might not come from your chest at all.
“In this case, symptoms might include back pain, confusion, swallowing difficulties and jaundice – when your skin or eyes become yellow.”
You could also be at risk of jaundice, and subsequently lung cancer, if you have very itchy skin, darker urine or paler poo than normal.
Your jaundice could also be caused by gallstones, pancreatitis, hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or even sickle cell disease.
Call NHS 111 straight away if you’re worried about the warning signs of jaundice, said the NHS.
Some of the more common warning signs of lung cancer include chest pain, feeling out of breath, and having a cough that won’t go away.
You should speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the signs or symptoms of lung cancer.
Around 45,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK every year.
The outlook for lung cancer isn’t as good as other types of cancer, as the symptoms are usually only spotted in its later stages.
About one in three patients live for at least a year after their diagnosis, while one in 20 live for another 10 years.
