From the Guidelines
Common signs and symptoms of lung cancer include persistent cough, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing, shortness of breath, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Many patients also experience recurrent respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include bone pain, headaches, or neurological symptoms if the cancer spreads beyond the lungs. Early-stage lung cancer often produces no symptoms, which is why the disease is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages. Symptoms typically appear when the tumor grows large enough to press on nearby tissues or organs, or when it spreads to other parts of the body. Risk factors include smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, and family history. Anyone experiencing persistent respiratory symptoms, especially those with risk factors, should consult a healthcare provider promptly, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes 1.
Some key points to consider:
- The majority of patients with lung cancer present with symptoms related to their tumors, such as persistent cough, pain, and weight loss 1.
- Low-dose CT screening can be used to detect lung cancer at an early stage when it is more likely curable 1.
- Early detection of lung cancer is an important opportunity for decreasing mortality, and the 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is only 16.8% 1.
- Patients with lung cancer may experience a variety of symptoms, including cough, dyspnea, fatigue, and depression, which can significantly impact their quality of life 1.
It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and to seek medical attention promptly if any of these symptoms are present, especially in individuals with risk factors.
From the Research
Common Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer
The common signs and symptoms of lung cancer are not always specific and can be similar to those of other diseases, making early diagnosis challenging 2. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Coughing or wheezing
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Repeated respiratory infections
Importance of Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis of lung cancer is crucial for improving survival outcomes 3, 4, 5. Unfortunately, most patients are diagnosed at a late stage when the disease is no longer curable. This highlights the need for increased public awareness, healthcare professional education, and implementation of clinical pathways that improve the earlier diagnosis of symptomatic lung cancer 5.
Screening for Lung Cancer
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening has been shown to reduce lung cancer mortality in high-risk, asymptomatic populations 4, 5. However, there are concerns about the potential barriers and outstanding concerns, such as false-positive tests, overdiagnosis, and radiation exposure 4. Despite these concerns, LDCT screening is considered a valuable tool for early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer.
Challenges in Diagnosing Lung Cancer
The lack of specific early screening methods for lung cancer and the non-specific nature of its symptoms make early diagnosis challenging 3, 2. Additionally, the absence of symptoms in early-stage disease means that most cases are diagnosed at a late stage when treatment is rarely curative 4. Therefore, it is essential to raise awareness of lung cancer symptoms, ensure accurate collection of lung cancer risk data, and encourage reluctant patients to present for diagnosis 2.