Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, with around 23,900 new cases every year, but it is also the most common cause of cancer death according to Cancer Research UK. The earliest stages of the condition doesn’t always trigger symptoms and many common signs can also be due to a range of other health conditions.

Barry Manilow revealed he had been diagnosed withlung cancerat the age of 82, dubbing it “pure luck” that his condition was picked up so early. The singer-songwriterhad been struggling with bronchitis for months and after finally recovering, his doctor booked one last test just to double check everything was okay when a “cancerous spot” was found.

Most common lung cancer symptoms:

• Supermarket selling 'cheapest in UK' Quality Street and Celebrations tubs


• King Charles' busy year as he's crowned hardest-working royal despite cancer treatment

• Having a new cough, a cough most of the time or a change in cough


• Becoming breathless doing tasks that used to be no problem


• Developing a hoarse voice


• Coughing up phlegm (sputum) with blood in it


• Aches or pains in the chest or shoulders


• Chest infections that keep coming back or a chest infection that doesn't improve


• Loss of appetite


• Fatigue


• Unexplained weight loss

Some forms of lung cancer can cause finger clubbing, causing the ends of the fingers and nails to become swollen. This is often painless but can be accompanied by pain or swelling in the joints.

In rare cases, lung cancer cells can produce hormones that enter the bloodstream, causing a new range of symptoms that don't seem related to lung cancer according to Cancer Research UK. Medical professionals call this paraneoplastic syndrome.

These hormone symptoms can include:

• Nausea and vomiting




• Headaches




• Confusion or trouble thinking clearly




• Feeling weak or tired




• Feeling restless or irritable




• Muscle weakness, spasms, cramps or aches




• Seizures or passing out




• Difficulty walking and climbing stairs




• Difficulty lifting objects or raising the arms




• Drooping eyelids, dry eyes and blurred vision




• Swallowing problems




• Dizziness when standing up




• A dry mouth




• Constipation




• Erectile dysfunction




• Strength that temporarily improves when exercising, but then reduces as exercise continues

Manilow shared in a social media post on Monday, December 22nd: “As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks.

“Even though I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK. The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that is was found so early.”

The singer revealed he will be undergoing surgery to remove the cancerous spot and while doctors don’t believe the cancer has spread yet, he will not be having chemotherapy or radiation. However, recovering from the surgery has forced the singer to reschedule his slate of January arena concerts.

This isn’t the first time the Mandy singer has faced cancer as he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2020, crediting early detection and treatment for his survival. Manilow has also previously opened up about how he started smoking at just nine years old and continued the habit for three decades.