As we get older, it is easy to put changes in our health down to ageing. A lingering cough may seem like the aftermath of a cold, while a sore spot in the mouth might be blamed on dentures or accidentally biting the cheek. However, persistent or unexplained symptoms deserve attention.
Cancer can occur at any age, but it becomes more common as people get older. During November, when both Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Mouth Cancer Action Month encourage greater awareness, it's a good opportunity to learn about lung cancer and mouth cancer symptoms, and about changes that shouldn't be dismissed as simply part of getting older.
What Are the Early Signs of Lung Cancer?
One challenge with identifying the early signs of lung cancer is that there may be few or no symptoms during the disease's early stages. When symptoms do develop, many can initially resemble less serious respiratory conditions. Possible signs include:
A cough that does not go away
Shortness of breath
Coughing up blood
Chest or shoulder pain
Repeated chest infections or an infection that does not improve
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Persistent tiredness
Less common symptoms can include persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the face or neck, and changes in the shape of the fingertips known as finger clubbing. These symptoms can occur with many other conditions. The important thing is to recognise changes that are new, persistent, or unusual for you.
When Should a Persistent Cough Be Checked?
A cough is common, particularly during cold and flu season. You should see a GP for a cough that has lasted more than three weeks. An urgent GP appointment is recommended if you cough up blood, even if it is only a small amount. Anyone who is struggling to breathe, choking or gasping and unable to speak should call 999 or go to A&E.
Who Is at Greater Risk of Lung Cancer?
Smoking is an important risk factor for lung cancer, which means older adults who smoke or previously smoked should be particularly attentive to respiratory changes.
A person's symptoms should not be disregarded simply because they have never smoked. Persistent coughing, breathlessness, unexplained weight loss and other concerning symptoms still warrant medical assessment. For older adults, family members and carers can help by noticing changes that develop gradually. Someone becoming unusually breathless walking upstairs, repeatedly developing chest infections or losing weight without trying may not initially recognise these changes as significant.
What Are the Early Signs of Mouth Cancer?
The early signs of mouth cancer can sometimes resemble ordinary dental or oral health problems. A mouth ulcer lasting longer than three weeks is one of the main symptoms that should be assessed.
Other possible mouth cancer symptoms include:
A red or white patch inside the mouth
A lump on the lip or inside the mouth
A lump in the neck or throat
Persistent mouth pain
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty speaking
Persistent hoarseness
Unexplained weight
Should I See a Dentist or GP About Mouth Changes?
Both can help. It's often best to see a GP for concerning symptoms including an ulcer lasting more than three weeks, a lump in the mouth, lip, neck or throat, red or white patches, ongoing mouth pain, swallowing or speaking difficulties, or persistent hoarseness. A dentist can also assess mouth ulcers, lumps, patches and persistent oral pain.
A dentist or GP may examine the inside of the mouth as well as the neck and jaw. If they identify something requiring further investigation, an urgent specialist referral may be made. An urgent referral simply means the symptoms need to be investigated promptly.
What Increases the Risk of Mouth Cancer?
Tobacco and alcohol are two major risk factors. Smoking and chewing tobacco increase the risk, while drinking large amounts of alcohol also contributes. The risk is particularly significant when tobacco and heavy alcohol consumption occur together.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is another recognised risk factor, while prolonged sun exposure can contribute to cancers affecting the lip. Knowing your risk factors should encourage awareness rather than fear. Even somebody without obvious risk factors should have persistent mouth changes assessed.
Cancer Symptoms in Older Adults: Know What's Normal for You
As part of our care services, we encourage older adults to know that every ache, cough or mouth ulcer may be normal. It’s essential to pay attention to your "normal." Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you notice:
A new symptom that doesn't improve
An existing symptom becoming noticeably worse
Unexplained weight or appetite changes
Persistent fatigue
Repeated infections
A new lump or swelling
Unexplained bleeding
Changes that are interfering with normal activities
Family members and carers can play an important role, too. If an older loved one seems more breathless, eats less, loses weight or has a persistent change in their voice, encourage them to mention it to their GP.
Why Early Assessment Matters
There can be a temptation to "wait and see," particularly when a symptom seems minor. But persistent changes should be investigated instead of becoming part of someone's new normal. Experiencing possible symptoms does not mean somebody definitely has cancer. If cancer is responsible, identifying it earlier may make treatment easier.
November Is Also Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
November also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer. Its symptoms may be difficult to recognise and can include jaundice, unexplained weight or appetite loss, tiredness, digestive changes, and pain in the upper abdomen or back. It's essential to seek medical advice when concerning digestive symptoms worsen or do not improve after two weeks. Jaundice, including yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, requires particularly prompt medical attention.
Don't Ignore a Persistent Change
Wentworth Grange helps residents and families navigate ongoing health challenges. If you or an older loved one has a cough lasting more than three weeks, an ulcer that hasn't healed within three weeks, unexplained weight loss, ongoing breathlessness, a persistent lump or another unexplained change, contact a GP, dentist or other appropriate healthcare professional. Getting checked can provide reassurance when nothing serious is wrong. Contact us today to learn more about our care home.