Common symptoms of lung cancer may include:
- a cough that is not going away
- shortness of breath
- coughing up blood
- chest or shoulder pain
- often having chest infections, or having a chest infection that is not getting better
- losing weight without trying
- not feeling hungry (loss of appetite)
- feeling tired all the time
Less common symptoms of lung cancer may include:
- swelling of your face or neck
- difficulty swallowing
- a hoarse voice that does not go away
- changes in the way your fingers look (clubbing) – your fingertips may look wider than usual or curve downwards.
You may not notice any symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer.
If you have any symptoms of lung cancer, it's important to get checked.
See a GP if:
- you've had a cough for longer than 3 weeks
- you have any other symptoms of lung cancer
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- you've coughed up blood or noticed blood on a tissue you've coughed into
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- you're struggling to breathe – you are choking, gasping and unable to speak
- you have pain in your chest or upper back
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
Important
Some of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions.
Having the symptoms does not definitely mean you have lung cancer, but it's important to get checked by a GP.
If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.
The doctor will ask you more about your symptoms, general health, medical history, and if anyone in your family has had lung cancer.
They may ask to listen to your chest to check if your breathing sounds normal. You can ask for someone else to be in the room with you when this happens.
You may also be asked to have a blood test, or an X-ray of your chest.
Referral to a specialist
You may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if the GP thinks you have symptoms that could be cancer. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.
03 September 2026
