According to Cancer Research, over 35% of people with lung cancer often experience a phenomenon called clubbing fingers (abnormal round nails).
Just a small action of pressing the tips of your fingers together, you can tell if you're at risk of lung cancer – Image 1.
When your nails grow out but curve downwards, it is a typical sign of oxygen deficiency in the blood, which also indicates abnormal issues with your lungs. These changes are called clubbing fingers and are often an early warning sign of lung cancer.
So, how can you tell if you have clubbing fingers?
Emma Norton, a cancer nurse at BUPA UK Private Healthcare, shares: "Most people with lung cancer don't notice this. However, if you do the Schamroth test (also known as the 'diamond gap' test), you will quickly identify the risk. That's why medical experts are gradually adopting this method. And you can also do it at home, it only takes a few seconds."
*How to check:
You press the two fingernails of your index fingers together and check to see if a small diamond-shaped window of light (the diamond gap) appears between them.
*Result:
If you do not have a "diamond gap," it may indicate that you have clubbing fingers – an early warning sign of lung cancer. In this case, it is advised that you see a doctor as soon as possible.