Experts say a straightforward finger test may help with early detection of lung cancer
06:04, 08 Feb 2026Updated 07:33, 08 Feb 2026
One simple test may unveil a little-known cancer symptom(Image: Halfpoint Images via Getty Images)
Medical professionals have revealed that a simple ‘finger test’ could help identify lung cancer in its early stages, potentially proving life-saving. Whilst most people are familiar with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and wheezing, warning signs can actually appear in the hands before these more obvious indicators emerge.
The test involves placing your fingernails together and pressing them against each other. The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation then advises asking yourself one crucial question – can you see a small diamond-shaped gap?
If the answer is no, this could suggest finger clubbing – a condition present in 35% of non-small cell lung cancer cases and 4% of small cell lung cancer patients. The UK’s leading lung cancer charity urges: “While not having this diamond-shaped window does not automatically indicate lung cancer, it can be a symptom.
Lung cancer is among the most common forms of cancer(Image: utah778 via Getty Images)
“If you think your nails are clubbed, speak to your doctor.” It’s important to understand that any associated finger clubbing tends to develop slowly, generally beginning at the nail base before progressing, resulting in nails that curve more noticeably than normal.
Cancer Research highlights that a softening of the nail bed and inflammation of the surrounding skin are additional telltale signs. Sometimes, these alterations can take place over a period of years.
“Finger clubbing means there are certain changes in the shape of your fingers and fingernails,” the charity explains. “It is also called digital clubbing or Hippocratic fingers. People with conditions such as heart or lung problems sometimes have these changes.”
Lung cancer is among the most common forms of cancer. NHS statistics reveal that more than 43,000 people across the UK receive a lung cancer diagnosis annually.
Persistent coughing is another potential symptom of lung cancer(Image: Jacob Wackerhausen via Getty Images)
Besides finger clubbing, there are numerous other potential symptoms of lung cancer. These typically include the following:
Persistent coughingBreathlessnessCoughing up bloodUnexplained fatigue and weight lossPain or aches when breathing or coughing
According to the Express, NHS guidance adds: “Lung cancer mainly affects older people. It’s rare in people younger than 40. More than four out of 10 people diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK are aged 75 and older.
“Although people who have never smoked can develop lung cancer, smoking is the most common cause (accounting for more than 70 out of 100 cases). This is because smoking involves regularly inhaling a number of different toxic substances.”
It adds: “You should see a GP if you have these symptoms.”
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