Lung cancer

Symptoms of lung cancer

Symptoms

Causes of lung cancer

Causes

Tests and next steps for lung cancer

Diagnosis

Treatment for lung cancer

Medical treatments

Symptoms of lung cancer can include a cough that's not getting better, shortness of breath, coughing up blood and chest pain.

It's not always known what causes lung cancer. You may be more at risk if you smoke or have certain conditions.

If a GP or specialist thinks you could have lung cancer, you'll usually be referred for further tests in hospital, such as a CT scan of your chest.

Surgery is the main treatment for lung cancer. You may also have chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted medicines or immunotherapy.

Who is more likely to get lung cancer

It's not always known what causes lung cancer, but it can be caused by lifestyle, genetic changes, and environmental factors.

Having certain health conditions can also make you more likely to get lung cancer.

You may be more likely to get lung cancer if:

• you smoke
• you've often breathed in other peoples' smoke over a long period of time (passive smoking)
• you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• a close relative has had lung cancer
• you work or used to work in the building industry and may have breathed in asbestos fibres over a long period of time
• you've breathed in air pollution over a long period of time
• you've breathed in radon over a long period of time – radon is a natural gas that's sometimes found in high levels inside buildings in some areas of the UK

Main tests for lung cancer

If a GP refers you to a specialist because they think you could have lung cancer, you'll have tests to check for cancer.

The main tests for lung cancer are:

• a CT scan
• a bronchoscopy, where a thin, flexible tube with a small camera on the end is passed down your throat and into your lungs to look inside

Main treatments for lung cancer

The treatment you'll have for lung cancer depends on:

• the size of the cancer and where it is
• the type of lung cancer you have
• if it has spread to other parts of your body
• if the cancer has certain genetic changes
• your general health
• which treatment options you decide are right for you

You may be offered a combination of treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted medicines.

Your specialist treatment team will:

• explain the treatments, the benefits and side effects
• work with you to make a treatment plan that's best for you
• help you to manage the side effects of treatment

If you have any questions or worries, you can talk to your specialist team.

Main symptoms of lung cancer

Common symptoms of lung cancer may include:

• a cough that is not going away
• shortness of breath
• coughing up blood
• chest or shoulder pain
• often having chest infections, or having a chest infection that is not getting better
• losing weight without trying
• not feeling hungry (loss of appetite)
• feeling tired all the time

Less common symptoms of lung cancer may include:

• swelling of your face or neck
• difficulty swallowing
• a hoarse voice that does not go away
• changes in the way your fingers look (clubbing) – your fingertips may look wider than usual or curve downwards.

You may not notice any symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer.

When and where to get medical help

If you have any symptoms of lung cancer, it's important to get checked.

See a GP if:

• you've had a cough for longer than 3 weeks
• you have any other symptoms of lung cancer

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

• you've coughed up blood or noticed blood on a tissue you've coughed into

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

• you're struggling to breathe – you are choking, gasping and unable to speak
• you have pain in your chest or upper back

Find your nearest A&E

A&E safety messaging

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.