A subtle sign of lung cancer can be detected by doing a quick 'finger test' at home.
Fingernails, if they change colour or shape, can sometimes indicate potential health issues.
When it comes to lung cancer, which is the most common cause of cancer death worldwide, it is important to keep an eye on something known as 'nail clubbing'.
It happens to '35 percent of people with non-small cell lung cancer and four percent of those with small cell lung cancer', according to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
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Dr Davood Johari explained to the New York Post that nail clubbing is when your 'fingertips appear wider and rounder than normal, with the nails curving downwards, resembling an upside-down spoon'.
“The nail bed, the area under the nail, feels spongy and softer,” he added.
“The fingertip might be red or feel warmer than usual.”
How to do the 'finger test'
If you press your fingernails together, you should notice a small 'diamond-shaped' gap.
As a healthy person, you're meant to be able to see the gap pretty easily.
However, for those with nail clubbing, the gap won't be visible because the ends of the fingers have swelled up.
The condition is first noticeable at the base of the nail and slowly moves up. The nail then starts to curve more when viewed from the side as the fingers become larger from swelling.
Nail clubbing can be either an early or later-stage lung cancer symptom. It can also indicate towards other health concerns.
“Chronic lung infections, interstitial lung diseases, cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis could be associated with digital clubbing,” Dr Johari said.
“It can also signal a range of other underlying health issues, including congenital heart defects, gastrointestinal (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease and liver cirrhosis), and other conditions such as Graves’ disease, infective endocarditis and more.
“Many nail changes are harmless and may be related to aging, injury and trauma or everyday activities like using nail polish.
“However, any changes in nail color, nail shape or thickness, which are persistent and last for more than a couple of weeks, should be checked by a physician.”
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation comments:
"It’s quite scary how few people are able to recognise lung cancer symptoms; 20 percent of people in the UK are unable to name any lung cancer signs, let alone a more obscure one like finger clubbing."
Other symptoms of lung cancer
According to the NHS, other symptoms of lung cancer include:
- a persistent cough that gets worse and does not go away after three weeks
- common chest infections
- coughing up blood
- an ache when breathing or coughing
- persistent breathlessness
- persistent tiredness or lack of energy
- loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Anish Vij