Manse Medical

26/02/2026

Can lung cancer cause syndromes?

Yes. Lung cancer can sometimes trigger syndromes that affect nerves, blood flow, or hormones, such as:
• Horner syndrome: symptoms include drooping eyelid, smaller pupil, reduced facial sweating, and shoulder pain
• Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome: symptoms include swelling of the face, neck or arms, headaches or dizziness
• Paraneoplastic syndromes (SIADH, Cushing syndrome, hypercalcaemia): symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, nausea, appetite changes or confusion
These signs don’t mean lung cancer on their own, but if symptoms are unusual, persistent or unexplained, they’re worth checking.

18/02/2026

Are women more likely to have lung cancer diagnosed late?

Yes. A study published in the British Medical Journal Open (2023) found that 62.1% of women reported late presentation with lung cancer, compared to men. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve discussed earlier this month, especially if they’re new, persistent or unexplained, it’s important to see your doctor.

12/02/2026

Many people don’t ignore symptoms; they rationalise them.

Even if you don’t smoke, are younger, or only notice symptoms that come and go, it’s easy to assume you’re low risk and delay checking. But you don’t need to be “high-risk” to be proactive. If breathlessness, fatigue, chest tightness or a persistent cough is new, unexplained or not improving, being proactive isn’t about alarm - it’s about clarity. Early checks aren’t for people who are worried; they’re for people who are paying attention.

09/02/2026

Some lung cancer symptoms don’t feel “lung-related” at all, which is why they’re often overlooked. Here are three lesser-known signs:

• Finger clubbing
Gradual swelling or rounding of the fingertips and nails. It develops slowly and is often missed or assumed to be genetic.
• Persistent shoulder or upper back pain
This can occur when nearby nerves are irritated. Frequently mistaken for posture issues, gym strain or musculoskeletal pain.
• Facial swelling or neck vein fullness
A rare but important sign that can occur when blood flow is affected - recognised by Cancer Research UK.

These symptoms don’t mean lung cancer on their own, but if something is new, persistent or unexplained, it’s worth speaking to your doctor.

05/02/2026

Shortness of breath is easy to explain away - and that’s the problem.
Asthma, infections, anxiety, ageing, poor sleep… breathlessness overlaps with so many conditions that people often adapt instead of investigating. Research from Cancer Research UK in 2025 shows early lung cancer symptoms are often vague and misattributed, which can delay diagnosis. Breathlessness or fatigue don’t mean cancer on their own - but if something is new, persistent or unexplained, it’s worth paying attention. Clarity comes from checking, not guessing.

04/02/2026

🌍 Today is World Cancer Day.
This year’s theme, United by Unique, reminds us that while every cancer journey is different, the need for awareness, compassion and early detection is shared. The Union for International Cancer Control is sharing powerful patient stories from around the world, including Australia:

👉 https://www.worldcancerday.org/stories

Throughout February, we’ll be sharing information on lung cancer to help raise awareness and encourage earlier action.

29/01/2026

OSA is more than just sleep health. If left untreated, it can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and motor vehicle accidents due to daytime sleepiness. Studies show that people with untreated sleep apnoea have between 1.21 and 4.89 increased risk for crash than people without it (Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Risk of Motor Vehicle Crash: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, 2009).

22/01/2026

Quiz time 🧠 Which of the following can trigger an increased heart rate while sleeping?
A) Stress or anxiety
B) Vivid dreams or sudden awakenings
C) Caffeine, ni****ne or alcohol
D) Blood sugar fluctuations

Answer: All of the above.
These triggers are often temporary, but if a racing heart during sleep happens regularly, it may be worth looking deeper - including conditions like sleep apnoea. For more information on this, read our blog below:
https://www.mansemedical.com.au/have-you-ever-woken-up-with-an-increased-heart-rate/

Have you ever woken up with a racing heartbeat and found it difficult to fall back to sleep? Here's everything you need to know about this sleep disorder.

19/01/2026

How do you know if it’s sleep apnoea or just snoring?
Snoring is noise. Sleep apnoea is a breathing disruption. It involves repeated pauses in breathing, not just sound. Signs that suggest sleep apnoea rather than simple snoring include:
• Breathing stopping during sleep
• Gasping or choking awakenings
• Loud snoring followed by silence
If these signs are present, it’s important to seek assessment — untreated sleep apnoea can significantly affect sleep quality, heart health, and daytime function. For more information on this, read our blog below:

https://www.mansemedical.com.au/what-causes-obstructive-sleep-apnea/

14/01/2026

☀️ There’s nothing quite like a nap on the beach during summer but overexposure to the sun can also impact your sleep health. It can lead to:
• Dehydration, increasing nighttime awakenings
• Excess heat load, slowing the body’s ability to cool — a key step for falling asleep
• Skin inflammation, causing discomfort or shallow sleep
• Delayed melatonin release, pushing sleep onset later
If you’ve spent the day at the beach, remember to hydrate well and cool the body before bed to support better sleep.

12/01/2026

Did you know?
More than a third of Australians say poor sleep is their biggest health concern (PwC Health Research Institute, The Age, 2019).
God sleep isn’t a luxury - it’s essential healthcare. It’s time to prioritise your sleep health.

07/01/2026

You’ve had a break but are you rested? Below are three tips to help you get your sleep routine back after the holiday season.

☀️ Use light strategically
Morning light works best within 60 minutes of waking. Even sitting near a bright window helps anchor your circadian rhythm.
🍽️ Shift meal timing, not just bedtime
Bringing dinner forward by as little as 30 minutes for a few nights helps signal to your brain that nighttime is approaching.
😴 Focus on breathing quality, not just hours slept
Unrefreshing sleep, morning headaches, or frequent awakenings may point to breathing disturbances - even without snoring. Improving airflow and nasal health can significantly improve sleep quality.