Chest pain, shortness of breath, and a persistent cough are often listed as common symptoms of lung cancer. However, these symptoms can also be indicative of various other health issues, ranging from heart problems and anemia to infections like COVID-19. This overlap can make it challenging to discern when these symptoms might be pointing towards something more serious, like lung cancer.
So, how do you know when it’s time to consult a medical professional about potential lung cancer?
According to Dr. Ara Vaporciyan, a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, some lung cancer symptoms require immediate medical attention, while others warrant a check-up within a couple of weeks. He emphasizes that persistent symptoms are more concerning than fleeting ones, and a combination of symptoms is more alarming than a single symptom in isolation.
Here, we share the experiences of three patients who recognized the subtle signs their bodies were sending, leading to their lung cancer diagnoses. Their stories highlight key symptoms and emphasize the importance of listening to your body.
Chest Pain or Pressure: Deborah’s Story
Deborah Schroeder, diagnosed with lung cancer at 55, recalls the onset of her symptoms: “I started feeling some weird chest pains in the summer of 2013. When you’re young, you feel invincible. And later, you think it’s never going to happen to you. But I knew something was wrong because up until then, I’d been pretty healthy.” Deborah’s experience underscores that even subtle chest pain, especially in individuals with a history of good health, should not be ignored. It was this unexplained chest discomfort that prompted her to seek medical advice, ultimately leading to her diagnosis.
A Nagging Cough: Nancy’s Experience
Nancy White, a retired school teacher diagnosed with lung cancer at 71, initially dismissed her persistent cough as a minor ailment.
“I developed a cough that wouldn’t go away. It seemed to get worse at night,” she remembers. “I tried to relieve it by taking antibiotics. I also underwent several allergy tests and saw an ear, nose and throat specialist. None of that helped.” Nancy’s story illustrates how a cough that doesn’t respond to typical treatments for respiratory infections or allergies can be a significant indicator of lung cancer. Her persistence in seeking answers despite initial misdiagnoses ultimately led to the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Shortness of Breath: Ashley’s Story
Ashley Stringer, diagnosed with lung cancer at the young age of 34, noticed a change in her breathing during exercise.
“I began experiencing shortness of breath while exercising on a treadmill,” Ashley explains. “I’d noticed commercials about COPD on TV, but thought I was too young to have a chronic condition like that. Still, I had a gut feeling that I needed to have it checked out.” Ashley’s experience highlights that even in younger, seemingly healthy individuals, unexplained shortness of breath, especially during physical activity, should be taken seriously. Her intuition to investigate this symptom proved crucial in her early diagnosis.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Lung Cancer Symptoms
Certain lung cancer symptoms are considered “red flags” and necessitate immediate medical evaluation. Dr. Vaporciyan emphasizes the urgency of seeking care for:
- Sudden or worsening shortness of breath: This can stem from various conditions, including heart problems, but requires prompt investigation to rule out serious causes like lung cancer.
- Chest pain, especially if sudden or severe: Similar to shortness of breath, chest pain can have numerous origins, but its sudden onset or intensification warrants immediate medical attention.
Other Lung Cancer Symptoms to Be Aware Of
In addition to the red flag symptoms, other potential indicators of lung cancer should prompt a timely visit to your doctor:
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm: This is a concerning symptom that always requires medical evaluation.
- A change in a chronic cough, or a new cough that persists: If an existing cough worsens or a new cough develops and doesn’t improve within a couple of weeks, especially if unrelated to an infection, it should be investigated.
- Chest pain that is constant or aggravated by specific actions: Persistent chest pain or pain that worsens with activities like laughing, coughing, or exercising can be a sign of lung cancer.
- Unexplained weight loss: While weight loss can be associated with many conditions, unexplained weight loss, especially in conjunction with other symptoms, can be a sign of later-stage lung cancer.
- Neck or face swelling: This is a less common and typically late-stage symptom, but it warrants immediate medical attention.
Dr. Vaporciyan notes that while many smokers have a chronic cough, any new or worsening cough that doesn’t improve with antibiotics within a couple of weeks should be evaluated with imaging, even for non-smokers. He also stresses that coughing up blood, even a small amount, requires prompt medical attention within two to three weeks, particularly for individuals with a smoking history.
If you are a current or former smoker, you may be eligible for lung cancer screening. You can use a lung screening calculator to assess your eligibility. For those seeking help to quit smoking, resources are available to support you in this important step towards better health these resources.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and are concerned about lung cancer, it is crucial to seek medical advice promptly. Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.
