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Quick ‘diamond gap’ finger test could be an early warning sign of lung cancer
Lung cancer is “one of the most common and serious types of cancer”, the NHS reports.
Each year, around 47,000 UK patients are diagnosed with the life-threatening disease.
Worryingly, early symptoms can be difficult to spot.
So to alert sufferers to the signs more quickly, doctors have urged Brits to carry out the “diamond finger test”.
Carrying out this simple check reveals if your fingers are clubbed or not.
This could be crucial for making an early diagnosis, as 35% of people with lung cancer experience this symptom.
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To carry out the test, which is also called the Schamroth window, form an M-shape with your index fingers.
Make sure your hands are joined at the knuckles and try to touch your nails to one another.
If there is a small diamond-shaped gap between your index fingers, they are unlikely to be clubbed.
But those who are unable to touch their nails together could be suffering from the nail problem.
While clubbing is an indicator of lung cancer, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have the disease if the test doesn’t go to plan.
If you’re experiencing the problem, it’s best to seek the advice of your GP.
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Those who see a "diamond" in between their index fingers aren't necessarily in the clear.
It’s also advisable to look out for other symptoms of lung cancer.
According to the NHS, these include:
- a cough that doesn’t go away after two or three weeks
- a long-standing cough that gets worse
- chest infections that keep coming back
- coughing up blood
- an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- persistent breathlessness
- persistent tiredness or lack of energy
- loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
For more information, visit the NHS website.
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