Doctor warns persistent hoarseness may indicate lung cancer risk in young people

Dr. MeiLan Han, a lung health expert, warns that a persistent hoarse voice could signal lung cancer, especially in young people. This symptom may arise from cancer affecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in the UK, with many patients diagnosed only after the disease has advanced. Early detection significantly improves survival rates, with a 65% chance of living five years if caught early. Recent studies show rising lung cancer cases among younger individuals, particularly women. Experts link this trend to increased exposure to pollutants, which may contribute to genetic mutations associated with aggressive lung cancers.