It’s completely natural to feel worried if you’ve noticed changes in your health that don’t seem to be improving. But taking the time to learn more about your symptoms is a positive first step.
This article outlines common symptoms of lung cancer, such as a persistent cough, chest/shoulder pain, breathing difficulties, fatigue and weight loss. We’ll describe the risks of lung cancer and what to do next if you recognise symptoms in yourself or a loved one.
If you’re concerned about symptoms, please contact your GP. If you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer, speak to your consultant oncologist about whether proton beam therapy is suitable. For any questions, get in touch with our team.
Early lung cancer symptoms
Early-stage lung cancer is often hard to spot, with many people assuming their cough, tiredness, or shortness of breath is temporary or a minor issue. But when those symptoms become persistent, it’s crucial to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Acting quickly can make a significant difference to the success of treatment.
Common early symptoms of lung cancer:
| A persistent cough | A cough that lasts longer than three weeks or worsens over time. |
| Chest, back or shoulder pain | That worsens when you breathe deeply, cough or laugh. |
| Coughing up blood | Blood or rust coloured mucus when coughing. |
| Fatigue | Feeling unusually tired or lacking in energy. |
| Unexplained weight loss | If you are losing weight but haven’t changed your diet or activity level. Or a loss of appetite |
| Breathing difficulties | Including a shortness of breath or wheezing. |
| Recurring chest infections | If you are regularly prone to bronchitis or pneumonia. |
Less common symptoms include a hoarse voice, swelling in the face and neck, bone pain, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, headaches, and changes in the shape of the fingertips (known as finger clubbing).
What to do about a persistent cough or chest pain
If you’re experiencing a persistent cough, it’s very important to speak to your GP if it lasts for more than three weeks. If you also have a fever, severe shoulder pain, chest pain, are coughing up blood or having trouble breathing, seek urgent advice from your GP.
Seek urgent GP advice for chest pain if:
- The pain is sharp, persistent, or worsening
- You’re coughing up blood
- You feel dizzy or confused
- You have breathing difficulties
- Your symptoms continue to worsen despite rest or medication
Consult your GP for a persistent cough if:
- It has lasted more than three weeks
- It disrupts your sleep
- You’ve noticed unexplained weight loss
- You’re frequently unwell or feel run down
Understanding lung cancer and its risk factors
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK and one of the most widely diagnosed cancers in the world. That means it is well-researched and well-understood, meaning doctors have a clear understanding of how it develops and how best to treat it.
Lung cancer starts when normal lung cells change and grow in an uncontrolled way. In most lung cancers, this is usually triggered by damage to the DNA, the genetic material that instructs cells how to function. When this occurs, the cells don’t die when they should and continue to multiply, forming a tumour. The cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body if they aren’t detected early.
There are several known lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing the disease, including:
- Smoking and tobacco use
Smoking is the most significant cause of lung cancer. The risk increases the longer and the more cigarettes you smoke. Chewing tobacco can also increase the risk. However, a small number of lung cancers are not caused by smoking and occur in people who have never smoked. - Second-hand smoke
Regular exposure to other people’s tobacco smoke (or passive smoking) can also increase the risk of developing lung cancer. - Exposure to asbestos and harmful substances
Long-term exposure to asbestos, once commonly used in construction, can increase the risk of a cancer of the surface covering (pleura) of the lung called mesothelioma. Other harmful chemicals include arsenic, chromium, and nickel. The risk increases when combined with smoking. - Exposure to radon gas
Radon is a colourless, odourless gas that occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. In some areas, it can build up inside buildings. - Air pollution
Prolonged exposure to polluted air, both indoors and outdoors, is linked to a higher occurrence of lung cancer. - Family or personal history
Having a close relative with lung cancer, or having had it before, increases the risk of lung cancer. - Age
Lung cancer is more common in older people, and 4 in 10 people with lung cancer are over 75 years. However, younger people can get lung cancer, although it is rare under the age of 40 years. - Previous cancer treatment
You may have a slightly increased risk of lung cancer if you have previously had radiotherapy to the chest to treat tumours, including lymphoma and testicular cancer, which have spread to the chest.
Exposure to these risks doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily develop lung cancer, but it’s important to be aware of them and go for regular health checks, particularly as you get older.
In the UK, the NHS is currently rolling out a lung cancer healthcheck programme for people aged between 55 and 74 who have ever smoked. During the appointment, a professional will ask questions to assess the risk of you developing lung cancer, including your health, breathing, lifestyle, and family and medical history.
If the lung health check finds you’re at a higher risk of developing lung cancer, you may be invited for a CT scan to take a detailed picture of your lungs. If you would like to have a lung health check, ask your GP to refer you.
Always pay attention to changes in your body and seek medical advice quickly, as early detection of cancer can make a big difference.
How lung cancer is diagnosed
In the first instance, your GP may refer you for a chest X-ray. This can reveal concerns such as fluid around the lungs, unusual shadows, or a visible mass in the lungs. However, an X-ray alone cannot confirm lung cancer; it’s a preliminary step to inform the next stage of investigation.
If your chest X-ray shows any abnormalities, there could be other causes, such as a lung infection or pneumonia, for example. You will be recommended for further tests, such as a CT scan to confirm a diagnosis. A CT scan creates detailed images of the lungs to show any unusual growths or changes, and if it identifies any abnormality that is suspicious for cancer, then a biopsy will need to be performed to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample to detect cancerous cells and identify the exact type of cancer.
If you receive a positive cancer diagnosis, your medical team will assess you further to determine the type, stage, and spread of the disease. This helps them create a personalised treatment that might include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.
If you’re concerned about lung cancer, speak to your GP today
If you’re worried you are showing symptoms of, or believe you may be at risk of lung cancer, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Early assessment and diagnosis greatly improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
At Proton International London, we encourage anyone with concerns to contact their GP without delay. If you have received a lung cancer diagnosis and would like to explore private proton beam therapy for lung cancer, speak to your consultant oncologist in the first instance. They can advise you on whether you are suitable for a referral. If you have a question, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Frequently asked questions about signs and symptoms of lung cancer
Could my cough be a symptom of a cold, or is it a sign of lung cancer?
Thankfully, a cough is often caused by viral or bacterial throat or chest infections, which are very common in the winter months. But if it lasts more than three weeks, worsens over time, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing up blood, you should see your GP.
Who is at a high risk of lung cancer?
Your lung cancer risk is increased if you smoke (or have smoked), have been exposed to second-hand smoke or harmful chemicals like asbestos or radon, or have a family history of lung cancer. The risk increases after age 60 and further after 65.
What is metastatic lung cancer?
Metastatic cancer is when cancer spreads via the lymph nodes or bloodstream from the original site (in this context, the lung tissue) to other parts of the body, for example, the bones or liver. It is also known as secondary or stage 4 cancer. That’s why it’s so essential to seek medical advice early, to catch lung cancer cells before they have a chance to spread.
Does lung cancer spread quickly?
Lung cancer spreads at different rates, depending on the type and stage. Small-cell lung cancer, most often linked to smoking, tends to grow and spread more quickly. Non-small cell lung cancer, the most common type, which is also linked to smoking and other causes like exposure to chemicals, usually develops more slowly. In all lung cancer cases, early detection and treatment are important.
