What are the first signs of lung cancer?

Lung cancer can affect the airways or lung tissue and may change how air moves through the chest. A persistent cough, a cough that sounds different, breathlessness during usual activity, chest pain, or repeated chest infections can be presentations of lung cancer. Hoarseness may occur if nearby nerves or structures are affected. Some people notice appetite change, tiredness, or weight loss without trying. Smoking, asthma, reflux, infection, and other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so a symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

Arrange a medical appointment for a cough or voice change that persists, breathlessness that is new or worsening, recurrent chest infections, or unexplained weight loss. Bring details about smoking or vaping, workplace exposures, medicines, previous lung problems, and the pattern of symptoms. The clinician may examine you and arrange chest imaging or other tests. If lung cancer is found, treatment can be guided by its type and features and may include targeted therapy or immunotherapy; clinical trials may also be discussed.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, sudden chest pain, coughing a large amount of blood, or fainting. Seek prompt medical advice for any blood in the sputum, rapidly worsening breathlessness, or a cough accompanied by marked weakness. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe before arranging assessment.

What could be causing this cough, breathlessness, or voice change? Do I need chest imaging or lung-function testing? What symptoms should trigger urgent help? If a scan shows an abnormality, what is the next test? If cancer is diagnosed, could targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a clinical trial be relevant?