Published: Jul 3, 2023

Lung cancer symptoms can be easy to miss. A cough may feel like a cold. Breathlessness may feel like poor fitness. Tiredness may feel like stress. Chest pain may feel like a pulled muscle.

But some symptoms need medical care.

This NHS-aligned guide explains lung cancer symptoms, symptoms in women, early warning signs, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, screening, treatment, and when to speak with a doctor.

This article is not NHS-approved. It is NHS-aligned. That means it follows public NHS guidance and other trusted medical sources, but the NHS has not reviewed or approved this page.

For more lung and cancer education, visit our Lung & Respiratory Health Hub, Cancer Awareness & Prevention Hub, Medical Tests & Screenings Hub, and Health Hub.

Medical note: This article is for education only. It does not diagnose or treat lung cancer. If you cough up blood, have chest pain, severe breathlessness, blue lips, fainting, confusion, sudden weakness, or symptoms that feel like an emergency, seek urgent medical care now.

Quick Answer: What are lung cancer symptoms?

Lung cancer may cause no symptoms at first. When symptoms happen, they may include a cough that does not go away, coughing up blood, breathlessness, chest pain, repeated chest infections, tiredness, hoarseness, weight loss, and wheezing.

Common warning signs include:

• A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
• A cough that gets worse
• Coughing up blood
• Rust-colored phlegm
• Repeated chest infections
• Chest pain
• Pain when breathing or coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Hoarse voice
• Feeling very tired
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Shoulder pain
• Back pain
• Face or neck swelling
• Bone pain if cancer has spread
• Headaches or nerve symptoms if cancer has spread

Most people with these symptoms do not have lung cancer. But new, lasting, or unexplained symptoms should be checked.

When to Get Medical Help Fast

Get medical advice quickly if you have:

• A cough that does not go away after 3 weeks
• A long-term cough that gets worse
• Chest infections that keep coming back
• Coughing up blood, even a small amount
• Breathlessness that does not go away
• Chest pain when breathing or coughing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Ongoing tiredness with no simple reason
• Hoarseness that lasts
• New wheezing

Seek urgent care now if you have:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Coughing up a lot of blood
• Blue, gray, or very pale lips or skin
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Sudden weakness
• Symptoms that feel like an emergency

1. A cough that does not go away

A lasting cough is one of the main lung cancer warning signs.

Many coughs are caused by colds, flu, allergies, asthma, reflux, smoking, or infection. But a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks should be checked.

See a doctor if your cough:

• Lasts longer than 3 weeks
• Keeps getting worse
• Sounds different from your normal cough
• Comes with blood
• Comes with weight loss
• Comes with breathlessness
• Comes with chest pain
• Comes with repeated chest infections

Do not wait for the cough to become severe.

2. Coughing up blood

Coughing up blood is a red flag. It should be checked quickly.

Blood may look:

• Bright red
• Rust-colored
• Mixed with phlegm
• Like streaks
• Like small spots

Coughing blood can happen with lung cancer, chest infection, bronchitis, tuberculosis, blood clots, lung injury, or other causes.

Even a small amount should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

3. Repeated chest infections

Chest infections that keep coming back can be a sign that something is blocking part of the airway or making the lung weaker.

Repeated infections may look like:

• Bronchitis that returns
• Pneumonia that returns
• Long cough after infection
• Fever with cough again and again
• Breathing symptoms that do not fully clear

Repeated chest infections have many causes. But they should not be ignored.

4. Shortness of Breath

Breathlessness can happen for many reasons. Lung cancer is one cause.

You may notice:

• You get out of breath while walking
• Stairs feel harder
• You need more breaks
• You cannot do normal chores
• You feel tight in the chest
• You breathe faster than usual

Breathlessness can also come from asthma, COPD, heart disease, anemia, anxiety, infection, or poor fitness.

Get checked if it is new, persistent, or getting worse.

5. Chest Pain

Lung cancer may cause chest pain. The pain may be worse when you breathe, cough, or laugh.

Chest pain can also come from heart problems, reflux, muscle strain, anxiety, lung infection, blood clots, or rib problems.

Call emergency help for chest pain with:

• Severe breathlessness
• Pressure or squeezing feeling
• Pain spreading to arm, jaw, neck, back, or shoulder
• Cold sweat
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Blue or pale skin

For more heart safety, read Chest Pain vs. Heart Attack: Know the Life-Saving Difference.

6. Pain when breathing or Coughing

Pain when breathing or coughing can happen if the lung lining or chest wall is irritated.

It can happen with:

• Lung infection
• Pleurisy
• Rib strain
• Blood clot in the lung
• Lung cancer
• Collapsed lung

Do not guess the cause. Get checked if the pain is new, strong, persistent, or linked with breathlessness or coughing blood.

7. Unexplained weight loss

Weight loss without trying should be checked.

It may happen because:

• Appetite is lower
• The body uses more energy
• Cancer or infection causes inflammation
• Eating becomes harder
• You feel tired or unwell

Weight loss can also happen from thyroid disease, diabetes, gut problems, depression, infection, and other cancers.

If your weight drops and you do not know why, book a medical visit.

8. Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite can happen with many illnesses. It may be a warning sign when it lasts or comes with weight loss.

See a doctor if appetite loss comes with:

• Weight loss
• Long cough
• Breathlessness
• Chest pain
• Tiredness
• Repeated infections
• Coughing blood

9. Persistent Tiredness

Feeling tired is common. But lung cancer-related tiredness may feel deep and unusual.

You may feel:

• Weak
• Drained
• Low energy
• Unable to do normal tasks
• Tired even after rest

Tiredness can also come from anemia, poor sleep, stress, thyroid disease, heart disease, depression, diabetes, or infection.

Get checked if fatigue is strong, long-lasting, or linked with other warning signs.

10. Hoarse Voice

A hoarse voice can happen from a cold, reflux, allergies, smoking, voice strain, or infection.

Lung cancer can sometimes affect nerves near the voice box. This may cause hoarseness.

See a doctor if hoarseness:

• Lasts more than a few weeks
• Gets worse
• Comes with cough
• Comes with blood in phlegm
• Comes with weight loss
• Comes with breathlessness

11. Wheezing

Wheezing means a whistling sound when breathing. It can happen when airways are narrowed.

Common causes include asthma, COPD, infection, allergies, and smoking-related lung disease.

Lung cancer can also cause wheezing if it affects or blocks an airway.

New wheezing should be checked, especially if it is one-sided, persistent, or linked with a long cough.

12. Shoulder, Arm, or Upper Back Pain

Shoulder or back pain is not lung cancer. It is often muscle, spine, posture, or injury-related.

But some lung tumours can cause shoulder, arm, or upper back pain. This is more concerning if pain is deep, new, or linked with cough, weight loss, hoarseness, or weakness.

Get checked if the pain does not improve or comes with other symptoms.

13. Swelling of the Face or Neck

Swelling in the face, neck, or upper chest can happen if blood flow is blocked in a large vein near the chest.

This can be serious.

Get urgent medical help if swelling comes with:

• Breathlessness
• Chest pain
• Blue lips
• Dizziness
• Severe headache
• Confusion

14. Finger Clubbing

Finger clubbing means the fingertips become larger or more rounded. Nails may curve more than usual.

It can happen with lung disease, heart disease, liver disease, digestive disease, and some cancers.

Do not use this sign alone to diagnose anything. Ask a healthcare professional if you notice new finger changes.

15. Symptoms if lung cancer spreads

If lung cancer spreads, symptoms may depend on where it goes.

Possible symptoms include:

• Bone pain
• Back or hip pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Weakness or numbness
• Balance problems
• Seizures
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

These symptoms can also happen from other causes. But they need medical review when new or unexplained.

Lung Cancer Symptoms in Women

Lung cancer symptoms in women are often the same as in men. But women may be more likely to have subtle symptoms or to be diagnosed as never-smokers.

Women should watch for:

• A cough that does not go away
• Shortness of breath during normal activity
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Chest pain
• Upper back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Feeling unusually tired
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Repeated chest infections
• Coughing up blood
• Headaches that do not go away
• Bone pain in later stages

Women who never smoked can still get lung cancer. Do not ignore symptoms because you do not smoke.

Why Lung Cancer in Women Can Be Missed?

Lung cancer symptoms can look like common problems.

Some women may be told or may assume symptoms are due to:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Menopause
• Low fitness
• Back strain
• Work pressure
• Repeated infections
• A cold that will not clear

These causes may be true. But if symptoms are new, repeated, or not improving, ask for a proper check.

Can non-smokers get lung cancer?

Yes. Smoking is the biggest risk factor, but people who never smoked can still get lung cancer.

Risk factors for non-smokers may include:

• Radon exposure
• Secondhand smoke
• Air pollution
• Asbestos exposure
• Diesel exhaust exposure
• Family history
• Past chest radiation
• Some inherited gene changes

This matters because a person may delay care if they think lung cancer only happens to smokers.

What causes lung cancer?

Lung cancer starts when lung cells change and grow out of control.

Risk factors can damage lung cell DNA or raise the chance of cancer growth.

Common risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Secondhand smoke
• Radon gas
• Asbestos
• Diesel exhaust
• Air pollution
• Past radiation therapy to the chest
• Family history of lung cancer
• Personal history of lung cancer
• Some workplace chemical exposures
• Older age

Having a risk factor does not mean you will get lung cancer. Having no known risk factor does not mean your risk is zero.

Smoking and Lung Cancer

Smoking is the strongest cause of lung cancer.

This includes:

• Cigarettes
• Cigars
• Pipes
• Other smoked tobacco products

Quitting smoking lowers risk over time. It also helps the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and overall health.

If you smoke, ask for help. Support, medicine, and counselling can improve your chances of quitting.

Radon and Lung Cancer

Radon is a gas. You cannot see it, smell it, or taste it.

It can build up inside homes and buildings. Long-term exposure can raise lung cancer risk.

Testing your home is the only way to know if radon is high.

If radon is high, it can often be reduced.

Air Pollution and Workplace Risks

Some workplace and environmental exposures can raise lung cancer risk.

Examples include:

• Asbestos
• Arsenic
• Diesel exhaust
• Silica
• Chromium
• Air pollution

Risk can be higher when these exposures are combined with smoking.

Types of Lung Cancer

There are two main types.

Non-small cell lung cancer

This is the most common type. It includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

Small Cell Lung Cancer

This type often grows and spreads faster. It is strongly linked with smoking.

Treatment depends on the type, stage, gene changes, and overall health.

How Lung Cancer Is Diagnosed

A doctor may start with your symptoms, medical history, risk factors, and an exam.

Tests may include:

• Chest X-ray
• CT scan
• PET scan
• Blood tests
• Sputum test in some cases
• Bronchoscopy
• Biopsy
• Needle biopsy
• Endobronchial ultrasound
• Molecular or biomarker testing
• Tests to check if cancer has spread

If lung cancer is suspected, a biopsy is often needed to confirm the diagnosis.

For test education, visit our Medical Tests & Screenings Hub.

Lung Cancer Screening

Screening means testing before symptoms happen.

The major screening test is a low-dose CT scan.

Screening is not for everyone. It is usual for people at high risk based on age and smoking history.

Ask your doctor about screening if you:

• Are older
• Smoke now
• Used to smoke
• Have a heavy smoking history
• Have other lung cancer risk factors

Screening has benefits and risks. It can find cancer early. It can also cause false alarms and extra tests. Discuss it with a healthcare professional.

Lung Cancer Treatment

Treatment depends on:

• Type of lung cancer
• Stage
• Where the cancer is
• Whether it has spread
• Gene or biomarker results
• Lung function
• Overall health
• Your goals and preferences

Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a mix of treatments.

Surgery

Surgery may be used when cancer is found early and can be removed.

Types may include:

• Removing a small part of the lung
• Removing one lung lobe
• Removing a whole lung in some cases
• Removing lymph nodes

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.

It may be used before surgery, after surgery, with radiation, or when cancer has spread.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation uses high-energy rays to target cancer cells.

It may be used alone, with chemotherapy, after surgery, or to help with symptoms.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses medicines that attack certain cancer cell changes.

Your doctor may order biomarker testing to see if targeted therapy may work.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps the immune system find and attack cancer cells.

It is not right for every case of lung cancer. Testing and cancer type help guide this choice.

Palliative and Supportive Care

Palliative care helps with symptoms and quality of life. It is not only end-of-life care.

It can help with:

• Breathlessness
• Cough
• Pain
• Tiredness
• Eating problems
• Sleep
• Anxiety
• Family support
• Care planning

Supportive care can be used with cancer treatment.

Can lung cancer be prevented?

Not all lung cancer can be prevented. But you can lower some risk.

Helpful steps include:

• Do not smoke
• Quit smoking if you smoke
• Avoid secondhand smoke
• Test your home for radon if recommended in your area
• Fix high radon levels
• Use workplace protection around harmful dust or chemicals
• Limit air pollution exposure when possible
• Eat a healthy diet pattern
• Move often
• Keep medical follow-up if at high risk
• Ask about screening if you qualify

For general prevention help, read Cancer Prevention: Practical Steps That Support Lower Risk.

What Not to Do

• Do not ignore a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks.
• Do not ignore coughing up blood.
• Do not assume lung cancer only happens to smokers.
• Do not ignore repeated chest infections.
• Do not keep treating breathlessness as poor fitness without checking.
• Do not ignore unexplained weight loss.
• Do not replace cancer treatment with herbs or detox drinks.
• Do not delay care because symptoms seem mild.
• Do not stop prescribed medicine without medical advice.
• Do not skip follow-up after an abnormal scan.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Could my cough be serious?
• Do I need a chest X-ray?
• Do I need a CT scan?
• Could this be asthma, COPD, infection, or reflux?
• Should I be tested for lung cancer?
• Do I qualify for lung cancer screening?
• Should I test my home for radon?
• Could my workplace exposure matter?
• What symptoms indicate urgent care?
• If cancer is found, what type is it?
• What stage is it?
• Do I need biomarker testing?
• What treatments are possible?
• Can I get a second opinion?

Simple 7-Day Lung Health Safety Plan

This is not a diagnosis plan. It is a safety plan.

Day 1: Check Your Cough

Write down how long you have had it and if it is changing.

Day 2: Notice Red Flags

Look for coughing up blood, breathlessness, chest pain, weight loss, or repeated infections.

Day 3: Think About Risk

Review smoking, secondhand smoke, radon, workplace exposures, and family history.

Day 4: Book Care if Symptoms Persist

If your cough lasts more than 3 weeks or your symptoms are worrying, book a medical visit.

Day 5: Ask About Tests

Ask if you need a chest X-ray, CT scan, or other checks.

Day 6: Protect Your Lungs

Avoid smoke, dust, and pollution when possible. Ask for quitting support if you smoke.

Day 7: Follow-Up

If symptoms do not improve, go back. Do not let symptoms drift for months.

FAQ

What are the main lung cancer symptoms that the NHS lists?

NHS lists symptoms such as a cough that does not go away after 3 weeks, a cough that gets worse, repeated chest infections, coughing up blood, pain when breathing or coughing, breathlessness, tiredness, appetite loss, and unexplained weight loss.

Can lung cancer have no symptoms?

Yes. Lung cancer may cause no symptoms early. Some people only develop symptoms later, which is why high-risk screening and early medical review matter.

What is usually the first sign of lung cancer?

A lasting cough is a common early warning sign. Other signs include breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up blood, hoarseness, repeated infections, weight loss, or tiredness.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer in women?

Symptoms in women may include a lasting cough, breathlessness, wheezing, hoarseness, chest pain, shoulder or back pain, fatigue, appetite loss, weight loss, repeated infections, or coughing up blood.

Can women who never smoked get lung cancer?

Yes. People who never smoked can still get lung cancer. Risk factors may include radon, secondhand smoke, air pollution, asbestos, family history, and gene changes.

When should I see a doctor for a cough?

See a doctor if a cough lasts more than 3 weeks, gets worse, comes with blood, breathlessness, chest pain, weight loss, or repeated chest infections.

Is coughing up blood always a sign of lung cancer?

No. Coughing blood can have many causes, including infection. But it should always be checked quickly.

How is lung cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis may include chest X-ray, CT scan, PET scan, bronchoscopy, biopsy, blood tests, and biomarker testing.

Can lung cancer be treated?

Yes. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, palliative care, or a combination. The plan depends on the type and stage.

Can lung cancer be prevented?

Not all cases can be prevented. Risk may be lowered by avoiding tobacco, quitting smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, testing for radon, reducing harmful exposures, and asking about screening if at high risk.

Related Reading

• Lung & Respiratory Health Hub
• Cancer Awareness & Prevention Hub
• Medical Tests & Screenings Hub
• Health Hub
• Cancer Prevention: Practical Steps That Support Lower Risk
• Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Early Warning Signs
• How I Knew I Had Colon Cancer: Warning Signs to Know
• Bowel Cancer and Stomach Noises: What to Know
• Chest Pain vs. Heart Attack: Know the Life-Saving Difference
• Congestive Heart Failure: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and How to Prevent It
• Snoring Treatment: 15 Practical Solutions for Quieter Sleep
• Healthy Lifestyle Roadmap: 14 Practical Tips for Better Health

Key Takeaway

Lung cancer symptoms can be quiet, vague, or easy to mistake for other problems.

Watch for a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks, coughing up blood, repeated chest infections, breathlessness, chest pain, hoarseness, wheezing, tiredness, appetite loss, and unexplained weight loss.

Women can have the same symptoms as men, but symptoms may be subtle. Never-smokers can still get lung cancer.

Do not wait if symptoms last or feel unusual. Early medical review can help find the cause and may improve treatment options.

Sources

• NHS — Lung Cancer Symptoms
• NHS — Lung Cancer Overview
• CDC — Lung Cancer Risk Factors
• CDC — Lung Cancer Screening
• CDC — Lung Cancer Treatment
• National Cancer Institute — Lung Cancer
• National Cancer Institute — Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment
• American Cancer Society — Lung Cancer Signs and Symptoms
• Mayo Clinic — Lung Cancer Symptoms and Causes

Adel Galal

Health & wellness writer with 30+ years of experience in nutrition, fitness, and healthy aging. Founder of NextFitLife.com — evidence-based health guidance.