Dr Amir Khan has revealed the five changes people need to look out for that could be a sign of lung cancer.
The TV doctor appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain today alongside James Brokenshire's wife Cathy, who is calling for nationwide screenings to try and detect lung cancer early.
Mr Brokenshire - the Former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland - sadly passed away in October 2021 after a battle with lung cancer. His wife Cathy is now continuing his mission to make lung cancer screenings more accessible.
As she appeared on the show, she was joined by Dr Khan who explained some of the symptoms to look out for.
Speaking to show hosts Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard, he said: "Not every cough is Covid, I think that's the important message to get across. If you have an unexplained cough for three weeks or more, then you said go and see a clinician about that and you may need further investigation. Particularly if you're a smoker.
"Smokers are at increased risk of lung cancer but as we've heard there, it's not just smokers. Other causes include air pollution, occupational exposures as well, so there are other risks."
He then went on to explain some of the symptoms, which included shoulder pain and a chance in the shape of fingernails.
"Symptoms that people should be looking out for includes coughing up blood but it could be a change in your voice. If your voice has become hoarse, that could be a sign of lung cancer - particularly if its been going on for three weeks or more," he said.
"A shortness of breath for three weeks or more. If you're a smoker and you have unexplained tiredness, losing weight, even a change in the shape of your fingernails if you're a smoker could be a sign of lung cancer. Shoulder pain is another symptom."
Urging people to go to the doctors, he added: "So any of these things, if they're unexplained, you're not sure why - go and see or speak to a clinician and we'll see if you need further investigations."
However, Dr Khan admitted there are "some overlaps" with Covid.
"There's some overlaps with Covid and lung cancer symptoms but if they've been going on for over three weeks or more, go and see someone," he said, as he asked people to get themselves checked if he was concerned.
