What should you know about lung cancer last stage symptoms?

Advanced lung cancer may affect breathing through tumour growth, fluid around the lung, infection, or airway narrowing. People may also experience chest or bone pain, low energy, reduced appetite, nausea, sleep changes, or increasing need for help with everyday tasks. A hoarse voice can have several causes and should be discussed with the care team.

If cancer affects the brain, symptoms can include new headache, confusion, weakness, balance problems, vision changes, or seizures. These symptoms need urgent assessment. The pattern differs from person to person, and one symptom cannot predict how someone’s illness will progress.

Tell the oncology or palliative-care team about each symptom, when it began, what worsens it, and whether it affects sleep or movement. They can consider medicines, oxygen assessment, drainage of fluid, radiotherapy for selected painful areas, breathing support, or other measures. Palliative care focuses on comfort, communication, and quality of life and can be involved alongside treatment aimed at the cancer.

Ask about a written plan for breathlessness, pain, nausea, constipation, and anxiety. Discuss who to call outside clinic hours and which wishes should be recorded while you feel able to participate.

Call the care team promptly for a noticeable change in breathing, uncontrolled pain, inability to keep fluids down, new drowsiness, or much less urine. Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, blue lips, fainting, sudden severe chest pain, or coughing a large amount of blood. New seizure, confusion, weakness, or difficulty speaking is an emergency.

Which symptoms are caused by the cancer and which may have another cause? What is the plan for breathlessness and pain at home? Could radiotherapy help a particular symptom? How can palliative care support us now? Who should we contact day or night if symptoms change?