Let's Talk About the Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Don’t wait for it to feel serious. If it’s not going away, get it checked.

Lung cancer can be hard to spot early, but noticing the signs could save your life - or someone else's.

It doesn’t just affect older people or smokers. Lung cancer can happen to anyone, at any age, including people who’ve never smoked. That’s why it’s important to know the symptoms and take them seriously if they don’t go away.

Some signs are more obvious, like a cough that won’t shift. Others - like feeling tired or losing weight - are easier to miss or explain away. But if something doesn’t feel right, especially if it sticks around, don’t ignore it. Speak to your doctor.

Most of the time it won’t be cancer. But if it is, spotting it early means better options and a better chance of successful treatment.

What symptoms should I watch out for?

Some signs of lung cancer are well-known. Others aren’t.

You don’t need to have all the symptoms - or even a cough - to have lung cancer. That’s why it’s important to know what to look out for and take it seriously if something feels off.

No symptom is too small if it sticks around. Lung cancer is easier to treat when caught early.

  • A cough that won't go away

    Especially one that lasts 3 weeks or more

  • A change in a lung-standing cough

    An existing cough that sounds or feels different.

  • Coughing up blood

    Even a small amount.

  • Breathlessness

    Getting out of breath more easily than usual.

  • Wheezing or hoarseness

    A wheeze, or a change in your voice that doesn’t go away.

  • Chest, shoulder or rib pain

    Pain that doesn’t go away, sometimes spreading down the arm.

  • Chest infections that keep coming back

    Or an infection that doesn’t clear up with treatment.

  • Tiredness or weakness

    Feeling unusually tired, without a clear reason

  • Loss of appetite or weight

    Losing weight over a short time, for no clear reason

  • A fever that comes and goes

    A high temperature that lasts for weeks

  • Bone pain

    Pain in the bones that doesn’t go away

  • Finger clubbing

    The ends of the fingers become wider and more rounded

  • Swelling in the face or neck

    Especially around the eyes

    What increases your risk of lung cancer?

    Anyone can get lung cancer, even if they have never smoked and have no family history. But some things are known to increase the risk. Having one or more risk factors doesn't mean you will get lung cancer, but they are worth knowing about.

    did you know?

    did you know?

    • 55% of people diagnosed with lung cancer had little or no idea they were at risk before their diagnosis (Lung Cancer Europe, 9th Report 2024)

    • Exposure to pollution and risks at work is higher in some jobs and communities.

    • Not all risk factors are within your control, but finding lung cancer early still makes a difference.