4. Signs And Symptoms
Due to difficulty in detection, an NSCLC patient can go a period of time without realizing cancerous cells are forming in their body. According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, on average 30% of NSCLC patients discover they have cancer when they are in stage 3, therefore, regular checkups and awareness is important. Symptoms can include anything from unending coughing; chest pains which hurt when laughing, breathing or coughing. The coughing up of blood or mucus makes another symptom.
It is important to also be aware of the shortness of breath, as well as flu-like raspy sounds when you breathe and a change in your voice. Constant fatigue and tiredness should also be noted. Cancer can spread to other parts of your body whilst unaware so it is also important to note if there are pains in your bones or a loss of balance accompanied by dizzy spells. The skin and eye may also change to a yellow.