Lung cancer symptoms
The main symptoms of lung cancer are:
- a new cough or change in an ongoing cough
- breathlessness
- chest pain
- repeated bouts of pneumonia or bronchitis
- coughing or spitting up blood
A person may have also experienced symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, hoarse voice, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, and abdominal or joint pain.
– James
Lung cancer symptoms can be vague and the disease is often discovered when it is advanced (has spread to other parts of the body). Having any one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have cancer.
Some of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions or from the side effects of smoking. However, if you have symptoms, see your doctor without delay.
Sometimes, there are no symptoms and the cancer is found during routine tests (often an x-ray or CT scan) for other conditions. If so, the cancer is more likely to be in an early stage of development (confined to the lungs).
This information was last reviewed in November 2016.
Support services
Coping with cancer?
Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum
Need legal and financial assistance?
Pro bono services, financial and legal assistance, and no interest loans
Looking for transport, accommodation or home help?
Practical advice and support during and after treatment
Cancer information
What is cancer?
How cancer starts and spreads
Dealing with the diagnosis
Common reactions to a cancer diagnosis and how to find hope
View our publications
Guides and fact sheets for people with cancer, their families and friends
