Symptoms

Macmillan Cancer Support

Lung cancer may not always have symptoms early on. Sometimes it is found by chance when a person is having tests for another condition. The symptoms of lung cancer can include:

  • a cough for 3 weeks or more
  • a change in a cough you have had for a long time
  • a chest infection that does not get better, or repeated chest infections
  • feeling breathless and wheezy for no reason
  • coughing up blood
  • chest or shoulder pain that does not get better
  • a hoarse voice for 3 weeks or more.

Other possible symptoms are:

  • loss of appetite
  • losing weight for no obvious reason
  • feeling tired.

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to get them checked by your GP. Many of these symptoms can be caused by other lung conditions or by smoking.

Less common symptoms

These may include:

  • the tips of fingers becoming more curved or larger – called finger clubbing
  • pain in the shoulder travelling down the arm.

Useful resources

Cancer Focus NI can provide a wide range of presentations to meet the needs of your...
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Red Cross advise that people are more likely to...
This could be done as an individual or as a team (according to research, people who stop...
This is a free support service, tailored to your needs. You don’t need to quit smoking...
Fabulous! Is a motivational app that uses challenges to help build physically and...
My QuitBuddy offers support to help you quit smoking. It includes tips and distractions...
Stop smoking for good
You're more likely to stop smoking with the right support. In 4 easy steps, the Personal Quit Plan tool from Better Health can help you quickly find the combination that's right for you. Give up for 28 days, and you're 5 times more likely to quit smoking for good.