Brits urged to try simple ‘finger test’ at home for early signs of lung cancer

Experts say you can stop lung cancer in its tracks if you’re quick to do a very easy ‘finger test’. Lung cancer is a brutal killer in Britain, taking the lives of around 95 people every single day, according to Cancer Research. But spotting its red flags early may just save your life – and they appear in the most surprising of places.

Many of us are aware that chest pain, shortness of breath and wheezing are clear warnings that something may be amiss inside our chests. But stark signs can appear in your hands too, long before other, more typical symptoms start to arise.

Here is a straightforward step-by-step guide of what to look out for.

How can I check for the early signs of lung cancer in my hands?

Believe it or not, the first course of action is to simply press your fingernails together. When doing so, can you notice a small, diamond-shaped tunnel of light?

If not, this may be a sign that your fingers are swelling up – a symptom seen among 35% of those with non-small cell lung cancer, according to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. This is the most common variation of the disease and, like most cancers, it triggers the generation of abnormal cells that can reproduce frighteningly fast.

Despite this, any associated finger swelling generally happens in far more gradual stages. Usually, it will start at the base of the fingernail before expanding, causing the nails to curve more than normal.

Of course, finger swelling can be a symptom of various other conditions, including ingrown nails and infections like paronychia. But seeking medical advice is usually the best route to take when it comes to unexplained changes in the body.

One lung cancer patient whose only symptom was finger swelling, also previously told The Mirror: “Go and see your doctor If you’ve got anything that you’re concerned about – that’s what a GP is for. Go as soon as you can.”