Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer

A 55 year old man is getting his heart and lungs checked by his doctor

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, but it can be hard to spot early. Symptoms often start small, like a lingering cough or shortness of breath, and may be easy to overlook. But recognizing these changes early can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Symptoms of lung cancer can be easy to miss or confuse with other common conditions. You should pay attention to changes in your breathing or overall health, especially if you’re at higher risk.

The early symptoms of lung cancer may include:

  • A persistent cough that doesn’t go away
  • Coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Chest pain that worsens with deep breaths, coughing, or laughing
  • Hoarseness
  • Frequent respiratory infections

Signs of Late-Stage Lung Cancer

If lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, symptoms may look different from those in the early stages. You might notice more severe symptoms like:

  • Headaches or dizziness
  • Bone pain
  • Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes
  • Swelling in the face, neck or arms

These symptoms can be unsettling, especially if they appear suddenly. If you’re experiencing any of these changes, talk to your doctor right away.

Cancer Care at CHRISTUS Health

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer happens when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs, forming tumors that interfere with breathing and oxygen exchange. It’s one of the most common cancers worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women.

Because symptoms like a persistent cough or chest discomfort often appear only after the disease has advanced, many cases are diagnosed in later stages. That’s why early detection, often through low-dose CT screening, is so important. If you’re noticing symptoms or have risk factors like a history of smoking, CHRISTUS Health is here to help you take the next step with clarity and compassion.

What Causes Lung Cancer?

The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking, which damages lung tissue over time. However, lung cancer can also develop in people who have never smoked due to exposure to:

  • Secondhand smoke
  • Radon gas
  • Asbestos and other toxins
  • Family history of lung cancer

Learn more about preventing lung cancer and smoking cessation.

Learn if You Are at Risk of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths and one of the most preventable. To find out your risk, take the CHRISTUS Health lung cancer assessment.

Assess My Risk

Types of Lung Cancer

There are two main types of lung cancer:

  • Non–small cell lung cancer: The most common type, making up about 85% of cases.
  • Small cell lung cancer: A faster-growing cancer often linked to smoking.

Learn more about the types of lung cancer.

Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk for lung cancer if you:

  • Smoke or have smoked in the past
  • Are exposed to secondhand smoke
  • Work around asbestos or other carcinogens
  • Have a family history of lung cancer
  • Have a chronic lung disease such as COPD

If you fall under any of these risk factors, your doctor may recommend a lung cancer screening. Lung cancer screenings are a simple way to detect lung cancer early, which leads to faster treatment.

What Does Lung Cancer Feel Like?

People with lung cancer often describe:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Difficulty catching their breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or back
  • A general feeling that “something isn’t right”

Possible Complications

Lung cancer can also lead to complications that may not seem directly related to the disease, such as:

  • Fluid buildup around the lungs
  • Bleeding
  • Recurring infections

How to Prevent Lung Cancer

While not all cases are preventable, you can lower your risk by:

  • Quitting, or never starting smoking
  • Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Testing your home for radon
  • Wearing protective equipment if you work with hazardous materials
  • Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine

Learn more about preventing lung cancer.

When to See a Doctor

If you’ve noticed changes in your health that don’t go away, it’s important to listen to your body. Lung cancer symptoms can be easy to overlook or confuse with other conditions, but early detection can make a life-saving difference.

You should see a doctor if you notice persistent signs of lung cancer, such as:

  • A cough that lasts longer than three weeks
  • Unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Blood in your cough or phlegm
  • Ongoing fatigue or weight loss without trying

Lung Cancer Screening

If you’re considered high risk, or if you think you may have symptoms of lung cancer, talk to your doctor about getting a lung cancer screening. Early detection saves lives, and CHRISTUS Health offers lung cancer screenings for people at high risk, especially those with a history of smoking. A low-dose CT scan is a simple way to catch lung cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.

Diagnosed with Lung Cancer?

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with lung cancer, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face it alone. At CHRISTUS Health, we’re here to walk with you through every step of care. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, depending on your specific diagnosis and needs. Your care team will work closely with you to create a personalized plan, answer your questions, and support you physically, emotionally, and spiritually throughout your journey.