Lung Cancer : 5 Common Signs and When to See a Doctor

Lung Cancer : 5 Common Signs and When to See a Doctor

Lung cancer is one of the most serious and common types of cancer worldwide. Because the lungs do not have many pain receptors, symptoms often don’t appear until the condition has progressed.

However, early diagnosis is the single most important factor in improving survival rates.

Knowing the persistent “red flags” can help you identify when a cough is more than just a cold.

Lung cancer largely occurs in smokers (or ex-smokers). Though people that have never smoked can get it.

5 Common Signs of Lung Cancer

While many of these symptoms can be caused by less serious infections or conditions like asthma or COPD, you should never ignore them if they are new or worsening.

1. A Persistent Cough

This is the most frequent early sign. A cough related to lung cancer typically lasts for three weeks or more.

• What to watch for: A cough that changes its sound (becoming deeper or “barky”) or a long-standing “smoker’s cough” that suddenly gets worse.

2. Coughing Up Blood (Haemoptysis)

Even a small amount of bright red blood or rust-coloured phlegm (sputum) should be investigated immediately.

• Top Tip: Do not assume it is just a burst blood vessel from coughing hard; this is a primary indicator that requires a chest X-ray.

3. Persistent Breathlessness

If you find yourself getting out of breath doing everyday activities that used to be easy—like climbing stairs or walking to the shops—it may be a sign of a blockage or fluid buildup in the lungs.

• Sensation: It may feel like you can’t take a full, deep breath.

4. Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue

Cancer cells use up the body’s energy stores, often leading to a sudden drop in weight without dieting.

• Fatigue: This isn’t just “feeling tired”; it is an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep.

5. Chest or Shoulder Pain

While the lungs themselves don’t feel pain, a tumour can press against the chest wall, pleura (lung lining), or nerves.

• The “Pleuritic” Pain: You may feel a sharp, stabbing pain that gets worse when you breathe in deeply, cough, or laugh.

• Referred Pain: Some lung cancers (like Pancoast tumours) can cause persistent pain in the shoulder or down the arm.

Rarer Symptoms to Look Out For

• Finger Clubbing: The tips of the fingers become larger or more curved/rounded.

• Hoarseness: A croaky voice that lasts more than three weeks.

• Swelling in the Face or Neck: Caused by a tumour pressing on the main vein (superior vena cava) that carries blood from the head to the heart.

When to See a Doctor

If you have any of the symptoms above—especially a cough lasting more than three weeks—you should book a GP appointment.

Ask for an urgent review if:

• You are coughing up blood.

• You have a new, persistent chest pain.

• You have a history of smoking and notice a change in your breathing.

What Happens at the Appointment?

Your GP will listen to your chest and ask about your smoking history and family medical history. In most cases, they will refer you for a chest x-ray.

• The 2-Week Wait: If the GP suspects cancer, they will put you on an “Urgent Suspected Cancer” referral (often called the 2-week wait in the UK), ensuring you see a specialist and get a CT scan quickly.

Summary of Warning Signs