Lung cancer - symptoms

Lung cancer/symptoms

There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms of lung cancer develop as the condition progresses.

The main symptoms of lung cancer include:

• a cough that doesn’t go away after 2 or 3 weeks


• a long-standing cough that gets worse


• chest infections that keep coming back


• coughing up blood


• an ache or pain when breathing or coughing


• persistent breathlessness


• persistent tiredness or lack of energy


• loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

If you have any of these, you should see a GP.

Less common symptoms of lung cancer include:

• changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger (this is known as finger clubbing)


• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing


• wheezing


• a hoarse voice 


• swelling of your face or neck


• persistent chest or shoulder pain

Want to know more?

• Cancer Research UK: symptoms of lung cancer


• Macmillan: signs and symptoms of lung cancer