Lung cancer is a serious health issue, and early detection is very important. A simple home test can help patients identify the disease early.

Lung cancer is a major health problem, affecting thousands of people each year in the UK.

Unlike some other types of cancer, lung cancer can spread quickly. Therefore, early detection is crucial.

It is important to know that symptoms of lung cancer often do not appear until the disease has advanced. While symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and a persistent cough (with blood or phlegm) are common warning signs, there is also a lesser-known sign that appears on the fingers.

By checking the fingernails and the surrounding skin, you may notice changes that indicate something is wrong.

The lung cancer risk test

There is a simple test that takes only 5 seconds and can predict the risk of lung cancer.

This test is called the “Schamroth window test”, which helps identify a rare deformity of the fingers and nails known as “finger clubbing.” Finger clubbing is a symptom often seen in people with heart or lung problems.

According to Cancer Research UK, finger clubbing occurs in stages. First, the nail bed softens and the skin around the nail becomes shiny. Next, the nails begin to curve more than normal — this is known as the “Schamroth’s sign.” Finally, the fingertips may become enlarged — commonly referred to as “clubbing.”

Finger clubbing is thought to result from fluid buildup in the soft tissue at the fingertips, caused by an unusually high amount of blood flowing to the area. However, the exact mechanism behind this is still not well understood.

Clubbing occurs in about 35% of people with non-small cell lung cancer and 4% of people with small cell lung cancer. This symptom is also seen in a type of cancer called mesothelioma, which usually affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall.

It is important to note that finger clubbing is not a definite sign of cancer. It can also indicate other lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or asbestosis, as well as certain heart defects, liver disease, or Crohn’s disease.

If you suspect you may have finger clubbing, the Schamroth window test is an easy way to check, though it should only be used as a guide and cannot replace a doctor’s consultation.

Health expert Emma Norton from healthcare company Bupa U.K. told the Huffington Post: “This test is used by medical professionals as a way to confirm conditions, but you can also perform it yourself and it only takes a few seconds.”

How to perform the 5-second test

To do the test, place your hands in front of you and touch the fingernails of both index fingers together.

Normally, you should see a small diamond-shaped gap between the nails.

However, if you cannot see this gap, your fingers may be curved — which could be a sign of an underlying health condition. In such cases, Norton recommends seeing a doctor as soon as possible for further examination.