What are the main symptoms or signs of Lung Cancer: Not Just a Smoker's Disease?

Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.

When should you see a doctor for Lung Cancer: Not Just a Smoker's Disease?

See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

Cancer & Oncology

Lung Cancer: Not Just a Smoker's Disease

The deadliest cancer worldwide

Dr. Antoine Lemaire

Onco-pulmonologist

10 min read

Medical illustration of Lung Cancer: Not Just a Smoker's Disease

In simple terms

Lung cancer kills more than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. CT screening and new therapies are changing the prognosis.

The deadliest cancer

Lung cancer is responsible for 1.8 million deaths per year worldwide, making it the deadliest cancer. Smoking is the main risk factor (85% of cases), but 10-15% of lung cancers occur in non-smokers, often linked to radon, occupational exposure (asbestos), or pollution.

Often late symptoms

Persistent or changed cough, bloody sputum, shortness of breath, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Unfortunately, these symptoms often appear at an advanced stage, hence the importance of screening for at-risk individuals.

Low-dose CT screening

Low-dose chest CT is recommended annually for people aged 50 to 80 with a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (smokers or ex-smokers who quit less than 15 years ago). It reduces lung cancer mortality by 20%.

Therapeutic revolution

Immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) has transformed the prognosis of advanced cancers. Targeted therapies (osimertinib for EGFR mutations, alectinib for ALK rearrangements) offer prolonged survival. Smoking cessation remains beneficial at any time, even after diagnosis.

The words explained

Medical terms used above, in everyday language.

Symptom: A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
Diagnosis: The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
Risk factor: Something that makes an illness more likely, such as smoking or family history.
Immune system: Your body's defence team: cells that fight germs and repair damage.
Screening: A check-up done before you feel ill, to catch a problem early.

When should you see a doctor?

Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
You already take medication and want to change anything about it.

This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Lung Cancer: Not Just a Smoker's Disease?: Lung cancer kills more than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. CT screening and new therapies are changing the prognosis.
What are the main symptoms or signs of Lung Cancer: Not Just a Smoker's Disease?: Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
When should you see a doctor for Lung Cancer: Not Just a Smoker's Disease?: See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

#cancer #lung #tobacco #immunotherapy

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