Overview
Lung cancer starts when cells in the lung begin to grow in an uncontrolled way. It can begin in different parts of the lung and may spread to nearby tissue or other parts of the body. The main broad types are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Symptoms and treatment needs can vary by type and stage.
Key Symptoms
Symptoms may include a cough that does not go away, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, or repeated chest infections. Some people notice hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, tiredness, or bone pain. Early lung cancer may cause few or no symptoms. Any ongoing or concerning symptom should be checked by a healthcare professional.
Causes and Risk Factors
Smoking tobacco is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. Other risks include secondhand smoke, radon gas, air pollution, and exposure to substances such as asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust, or other workplace chemicals. A personal or family history of lung cancer and previous radiation to the chest can also raise risk. Having a risk factor does not mean a person will definitely develop lung cancer.
Who Is Affected
Lung cancer can affect adults of many backgrounds and happens in countries around the world. It is more common in older adults because risk increases over time. People who smoke or used to smoke have higher risk, but people who have never smoked can also get lung cancer. Exposure patterns, workplace risks, indoor air quality, and access to healthcare can all influence who is affected.
Prevention
Not smoking, and stopping smoking if you do smoke, can lower the risk of lung cancer. Avoiding secondhand smoke and reducing exposure to radon and harmful workplace substances are also important. Using protective measures at work and following local health and safety guidance can help. In some countries, people at high risk may be offered screening, which can help find some lung cancers earlier.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional may ask about symptoms, smoking history, work exposures, and general health. Tests can include imaging such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, followed by procedures to collect cells or tissue if needed. Tissue testing helps confirm whether cancer is present and what type it is. Additional tests may be used to learn whether the cancer has spread.
Treatment Categories
Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these. The treatment plan depends on the type of lung cancer, its stage, test results, symptoms, and the person’s overall health. Some people also receive treatment to help breathing, pain, cough, or other symptoms. Decisions are usually made with a cancer care team.
Living With It
Living with lung cancer can affect breathing, energy, daily routines, work, and emotional well-being. Follow-up visits are important to monitor treatment response, side effects, and any new symptoms. Support from family, community, counseling, rehabilitation, or palliative care services may help with quality of life. It can also help to keep a list of symptoms and questions for medical visits.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if you have a cough that lasts for weeks, cough up blood, have unexplained chest pain, ongoing shortness of breath, repeated chest infections, or unexplained weight loss. Also seek care for persistent hoarseness, worsening fatigue, or new bone pain. If you have known risk factors such as smoking or harmful exposures, do not ignore new lung-related symptoms.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help right away for severe trouble breathing, chest pain, large amounts of blood when coughing, confusion, fainting, seizures, or sudden weakness. These symptoms can signal a serious or life-threatening problem and should not wait. If emergency services are available in your area, use them.