Lung cancer symptoms

There are many different signs of lung cancer. Some lung cancer symptoms, such as a persistent cough or shortness of breath, are more common and easier to recognise than others such as clubbed fingers or back pain.

It is really important to be aware of all of the signs of lung cancer – regardless of if you have smoked or not. Lung cancer can happen to anyone so if you are experiencing any of the following lung cancer symptoms, you should contact your GP.

The most common lung cancer symptoms

• A persistent cough (that lasts for three weeks or more)
• Feeling breathless for no reason
• Repeat chest infections or chest infections that haven’t improved after having treatment
• Losing weight and/or loss of appetite
• Coughing up blood or blood in your phlegm (spit)
• A cough that changes or gets worse
• Unexplained tiredness or lack of energy
• Chest or shoulder pain.

Less common signs of lung cancer include:

• Back pain
• Wheezing
• A hoarse voice
• Finger clubbing (where the tips of your fingers swell around your nail)
• Difficulty swallowing
• A swelling in your face or neck.

Some people with lung cancer may experience multiple symptoms, whilst others may only have one symptom.

If you are aware of any changes in your health or spot differences in family and friends, don’t ignore them.

What to do if you have lung cancer symptoms

See your GP if you have any lung cancer signs and symptoms. Chances are everything will be ok, but it is important to get checked out.

Download our lung cancer symptom tracker and make a note of when you first noticed the symptom(s).

Contact your GP practice. We understand it can be difficult to see your GP. You can watch our video with primary care nurse, Carol, with tips of how to get an appointment.

At your appointment, use your completed symptom tracker to talk through all your symptoms and what is worrying you. Try and give a full picture. You don’t need to work out if something is important or not, so don’t skip any details just because you think it might not be relevant.

What should happen at my appointment

Once you have explained your symptoms, the doctor will examine you.

Under the guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), you should be offered a chest x-ray (to be done within two weeks) if:

You are 40 years old or over and have two or more of the following unexplained symptoms, or you have ever smoked and have one or more of the following unexplained symptoms:

• cough
• fatigue
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• weight loss
• appetite loss.

You may also be considered for a chest x-ray if you are 40 or older and have any of the following symptoms:

• repeat chest infections
• finger clubbing
• enlarged lymph nodes above your collarbone (supraclavicular lymphadenopathy)
• chest signs consistent with lung cancer
• thrombocytosis

What to do if symptoms persist, change or get worse

If your lung cancer symptoms continue, you should return to the doctor.

If you are not happy with the proposed course of action, don’t be afraid to push back, ask for a chest x-ray or further tests or even ask for a second opinion.

Joe had gone to his doctor on two occasions with a persistent cough and chest infection. He had been prescribed antibiotics, but they had not cleared up the infection. He went back to his GP practice and spoke to a different doctor who sent him for a chest x-ray.

Further support if you have lung cancer symptoms

If you are struggling to see your GP or feel your symptoms or concerns are not being taken seriously, call our nurse-led helpline on 0800 358 7200 or email lungcancerhelp@roycastle.org.

Our nurses can offer advice about getting an appointment. Depending on where you live, they may also be able to provide information for other services available in your area, such as pharmacy referrals or self-referral services.