A simple finger clubbing test can help spot potential early signs of lung cancer at home – health experts urge people to see their GP if they notice any concerning symptoms
07:00, 20 Apr 2026Updated 08:34, 20 Apr 2026
The simple test can be done at home(Image: Witthaya Prasongsin via Getty Images)
A straightforward finger test carried out at home could provide an early warning sign of lung cancer.
Lung cancer can spread more rapidly than other forms of the disease, with nearly 40,000 people receiving a diagnosis every year.
In many cases, lung cancer symptoms fail to appear until after the cells have already spread throughout the body.
Nevertheless, potential patients are able to identify a handful of early warning signs of the illness.
Some of the most common symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing and a persistent cough accompanied by blood or phlegm.
While the majority of symptoms tend to be respiratory in nature, there is one early telltale sign of lung cancer that manifests on your fingertips – here’s what you need to know.
What is the early sign of lung cancer on the fingertips?
There are some little-known symptoms of lung cancer(Image: Vithun Khamsong via Getty Images)
When you press your fingernails together, can you spot a tiny diamond-shaped gap of light?
If that gap is nowhere to be seen, you could be experiencing finger clubbing, whereby the ends of your fingers become swollen – and this could be an indicator of lung cancer.
The condition develops in stages, beginning at the base of the nail, which turns soft. The skin alongside the nail bed then becomes shiny, after which the nails start to curve more than usual when viewed from the side.
Finally, the fingers may enlarge and swell as fluid gathers in the soft tissues. While the absence of this diamond-shaped gap between fingernails doesn’t automatically rule out lung cancer, there remains a possibility it could be a symptom. The best course of action is therefore to consult your doctor if you notice it.
Lung cancer patient Brian Gemmell, whose sole symptom of the disease was finger clubbing, urges: “Go and see your doctor If you’ve got anything that you’re concerned about – that’s what a GP is for. Go as soon as you can.'”
Early detection can lead to swifter treatment, with West Lancashire-based GP Dr Helen Piercy advising: “If you notice any signs or symptoms that concern you, see your GP.
“First phone for an appointment. You will be assessed. You will be invited in, if you need to be seen face-to-face. Don’t be afraid. Pick up the phone.”
Lung cancer symptoms differ from person to person. Some individuals experience numerous symptoms while others have none whatsoever.
Common lung cancer symptoms to be aware of include:
A persistent cough that lasts three weeks or more
Breathlessness
Wheezing
Frequent chest infections
A cough that changes or gets worse
Chest and/or shoulder pain
Coughing up blood or blood in your phlegm
Unexplained fatigue or lack of energy
Hoarseness
Swelling in the face or neck.
These signs don’t necessarily indicate lung cancer, but it’s advisable to consult your GP if you have any of the above concerns.