Medical experts are highlighting a remarkably simple self-check that could point to an early warning sign of lung cancer. The straightforward 'finger test' involves examining your own fingernails for a specific change, a symptom known as finger clubbing.
How to Perform the Fingernail Test
To conduct the check, place the nails of your index fingers together, back to back. The key question, as advised by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, is whether you can see a small, diamond-shaped gap of light between the nail beds and the cuticles.
If this diamond-shaped window is absent, it may indicate finger clubbing. This condition is found in around 35% of people with non-small cell lung cancer and approximately 4% of those diagnosed with small cell lung cancer.
Understanding Finger Clubbing and Other Symptoms
It is crucial to note that not having the gap does not automatically mean you have cancer. However, it can be a significant symptom that warrants medical investigation. "If you think your nails are clubbed, speak to your doctor," the UK's leading lung cancer charity urges.
Finger clubbing typically develops slowly. Changes often start at the base of the nail, causing it to soften, with the surrounding skin becoming reddened. Over time, the nail may curve outward more dramatically than usual. Cancer Research UK states these alterations can sometimes take years to become noticeable.
Alongside potential nail changes, the NHS lists several other key symptoms of lung cancer that people should be aware of:
- A persistent cough that does not go away
- Breathlessness during everyday activities
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained tiredness and weight loss
- Pain or aches when breathing or coughing
The Scale of Lung Cancer in the UK
This advice is particularly vital given the prevalence of the disease. NHS statistics show over 43,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.
The health service notes that lung cancer primarily affects older adults, being rare in those under 40. More than four in ten diagnoses are in people aged 75 and over.
While non-smokers can develop the disease, smoking remains the most common cause, responsible for more than 70 out of every 100 cases in the UK. This is due to the regular inhalation of numerous toxic substances found in tobacco smoke.
The overarching message from health professionals is clear: if you experience any of these symptoms, including potential finger clubbing, you should consult your GP for further assessment.
