Let's Talk About the Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer can be difficult to spot early. But recognising the symptoms could save your life - or someone else’s.

Lung cancer doesn’t just affect older people or smokers. It can affect anyone, at any age. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs.

Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer

If any of these symptoms last more than a few weeks, speak to your doctor:

• A cough that won’t go away

• Breathlessness

• Chest pain or shoulder pain

• Feeling more tired than usual (fatigue)

• Unexplained weight loss

• Coughing up blood (even a small amount)

• Recurring chest infections

• Hoarseness or a change in your voice

You don’t need to have all these symptoms to have lung cancer. Some people only have one.

When to Get Checked

If something doesn’t feel right — especially if symptoms stick around — don’t ignore it.

GPs understand that it’s better to check early than wait. In most cases, it won’t be cancer. But if it is, spotting it early gives you more options.

What If You’re a Non-Smoker?

Lung cancer isn’t just a smoker’s disease. In fact, more and more people with no smoking history are being diagnosed - especially younger adults and women.

If you have lungs, you can get lung cancer. That’s why knowing the signs matters, even if you don’t think you’re at risk.

Why Early Detection Matters

Catching lung cancer early can make a big difference. When it’s found at an earlier stage, treatment is often simpler - and outcomes are usually better.

But too often, lung cancer is diagnosed late because symptoms are missed or mistaken for something else.

That’s where awareness comes in. The more people know what to look out for, the more chance we have of catching it earlier.

Don’t Wait. Get Checked.

You know your body best. If you feel something’s not right - keep pushing until you get answers.

This simple message is at the heart of our campaign: If symptoms don’t go away, Get Checked!