There are always more coughs and colds going around during the winter, the effects of the lower temperatures on our immune systems and the damp conditions are perfect for catching and passing illnesses between people.
However, while a cough would not usually set alarm bells ringing, it can be a sign of something far more serious than just a winter cold. Doctor Sarah Jarvis has warned a symptom that could be mistaken for that of a common cold, the flu or even Covid could actually be a first sign of a more deadly disease - lung cancer.
“As winter approaches, it’s more important than ever to look after your health and take steps to seek help if there’s any chance of serious illness,” she told the Express. “If you begin to feel any changes in your body, or something just doesn’t feel right, it is so important that you get these symptoms checked. It’ll probably be nothing serious, but if it is cancer, the earlier it’s found, the better.
“There is one common symptom which is easily mistaken for the effects of cold weather and generally dismissed.” Specifically the symptom to watch out for is a cough that lasts for three weeks or longer, something that is easier to write off in winter when sickness is more common. A cough which lasts for three weeks or more is a common symptom in winter that can be easily brushed aside,” she continued.
"It may be the lingering effect of a cold, or a response to chilly weather. But since it’s also a key symptom of lung cancer, it’s vital not to ignore it. It can be tempting to brush off a persistent cough as a common cold or flu, especially if you’re able to go to work and continue with your everyday activities. As a GP myself, I really want to encourage anyone who might be experiencing this symptom to contact their GP practice as soon as possible.”
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A cough that has lasted for more than three weeks needs looking at by a doctor (Getty Images)Almost 35,000 people die every year from lung cancer, making it the most deadly type of cancer in the UK. Dr Jarvis warned of other signs to look for, saying “Other symptoms of lung cancer include chest infections that keep coming back; coughing up blood; a long-standing cough that gets worse; loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss; an ache or pain when breathing or coughing; persistent breathlessness and persistent tiredness or lack of energy.
“It’s much more common to feel tired in the winter months, especially when it gets dark and cold, but make sure you are listening to your body and getting checked out if you notice any of these changes. Look out for your friends and family in the winter – if somebody close to you has been coughing for three weeks or more, encourage them to reach out to their GP, even just for peace of mind."
One of the reasons lung cancer is so deadly is it often does not show up in the early stages. But many people with the condition do eventually develop symptoms. According to the NHS these can include: A persistent cough, coughing up blood, persistent breathlessness, unexplained tiredness and weight loss, an ache or pain when breathing or coughing. And while the biggest cause of lung cancer is smoking, however, it can sometimes develop in non-smokers. It can also be caused by exposure to pollution and substances such as asbestos, radon and coal fumes.
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