Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.About OwieClear
Check symptoms

Lung cancer (needs checking)

Also called: Lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, lung carcinoma

Cancer that starts in the lungs. It's the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Early lung cancer often has no symptoms. Yearly screening with a low-dose CT scan can find it early in people with a heavy smoking history.

TypeA cancer
Main causeSmoking
Early signsOften none
ScreeningYearly low-dose CT for some smokers
Two main typesNon-small cell and small cell

Overview

Lung cancer happens when cells in the lung grow out of control. Most cases are non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer grows faster and is almost always linked to smoking.

Smoking causes most lung cancers, but people who never smoked can get it too, from radon gas, secondhand smoke, or air pollution. Finding it early gives the best chance of cure.

Symptoms

Most lung cancers don't cause symptoms until they've grown. These signs are more often caused by other problems, but they need checking, especially if you smoke or used to.

  • A spot on the lung found on a scan
  • A cough that won't go away or gets worse
  • A cough lasting more than 3 weeks

Less common

  • Coughing up blood or rust-colored mucus
  • Chest pain that's worse with deep breaths or coughing
  • Hoarse voice
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest infections that keep coming back

Look up a symptom: Cough lasting more than 3 weeks · Cough with mucus most days · Hoarse voice or trouble swallowing for 3 weeks or more · Losing weight without trying · Smoke or used to smoke · Spot on the lung, or a smoker with a cough that's new or changed

When to get medical care

Call 911Coughing up more than a few spoonfuls of blood, or severe trouble breathing.
Get care todayCoughing up small amounts of blood, or new chest pain with shortness of breath.
See a doctor soonA cough lasting more than 3 weeks, a hoarse voice, or weight loss, especially if you smoke or used to. Ask whether you should be screened.

Causes

Tobacco smoke damages lung cells and causes about 8 to 9 out of 10 lung cancers. Radon gas in homes is the leading cause in people who never smoked. Asbestos, secondhand smoke, and air pollution also raise the risk.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • Cancer isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone.
  • It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Smoking, now or in the past
  • Secondhand smoke
  • Radon in the home
  • Asbestos and other work exposures
  • Family history of lung cancer
  • Older age

Possible complications

Diagnosis

Lung cancer is found with imaging and a sample of tissue.

Questions you may be asked

  • Whether you smoke or used to, and how much
  • Radon, asbestos, or other exposures
  • How long you've had a cough or other symptoms

The exam

They'll listen to your lungs and check for swollen lymph nodes.

Tests

Common tests:

  • Low-dose CT scan: Used for screening and to look closely at spots on the lung.
  • Biopsy: A small piece of tissue is removed to check for cancer cells.
  • PET scan and other tests: Show whether cancer has spread (staging).

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer and your overall health.

Self-care

  • Quit smoking, even after diagnosis; it helps treatment work
  • Ask about palliative care for symptoms like pain or shortness of breath
  • Eat well and stay as active as you can
  • Ask about clinical trials

Medicines

Cancer medicines are chosen by an oncology team based on tests of the tumor.

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Chemotherapy
Killing fast-growing cellsCan cause tiredness, nausea, and infection risk.
Targeted therapy
Cancers with certain gene changes (like EGFR or ALK)
Immunotherapy
Helping the immune system attack cancerCan cause inflammation in many organs. Report new symptoms.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy for cancers with certain gene changes, and immunotherapy, which helps the immune system fight cancer. Many people get more than one.

Prevention

To lower your risk:

  • Don't smoke, or quit at any age
  • Avoid secondhand smoke
  • Test your home for radon
  • Use protection at work around asbestos and fumes

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an oncologist (cancer doctor), often with a surgeon and a radiation doctor.

Living with it

  • Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
  • Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
  • Ask for a survivorship care plan when treatment ends.
  • Gentle activity, like walking, can ease tiredness.
  • Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people can keep working or going to school.
  • Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Screening: Yearly low-dose CT screening is recommended for adults 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and smoke now or quit within the past 15 years.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some cancer treatments can harm a baby. Ask about saving eggs before treatment if you want children later.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

  • Go to visits when you can and take notes.
  • Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
  • Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
  • Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

The outlook depends on the stage. Lung cancer found early, before it spreads, can often be cured with surgery. Newer treatments are helping more people live longer, even with advanced cancer.

Getting ready for your visit

If you smoke or used to, ask about screening.

What to bring

  • Your smoking history: years smoked and packs per day
  • Any past chest scans

Questions to ask

  • Should I get a yearly low-dose CT scan?
  • What type and stage is my cancer?
  • What are my treatment options and their side effects?
  • Is there a clinical trial for me?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Lung cancer (needs checking)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.