Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, but it can be hard to spot early. Symptoms often start small, like a lingering cough or shortness of breath, and may be easy to overlook. But recognizing these changes early can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes.
Symptoms of lung cancer can be easy to miss or confuse with other common conditions. You should pay attention to changes in your breathing or overall health, especially if you’re at higher risk.
The early symptoms of lung cancer may include:
If lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, symptoms may look different from those in the early stages. You might notice more severe symptoms like:
These symptoms can be unsettling, especially if they appear suddenly. If you’re experiencing any of these changes, talk to your doctor right away.
Lung cancer happens when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs, forming tumors that interfere with breathing and oxygen exchange. It’s one of the most common cancers worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women.
Because symptoms like a persistent cough or chest discomfort often appear only after the disease has advanced, many cases are diagnosed in later stages. That’s why early detection, often through low-dose CT screening, is so important. If you’re noticing symptoms or have risk factors like a history of smoking, CHRISTUS Health is here to help you take the next step with clarity and compassion.
The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking, which damages lung tissue over time. However, lung cancer can also develop in people who have never smoked due to exposure to:
Learn more about preventing lung cancer and smoking cessation.
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths and one of the most preventable. To find out your risk, take the CHRISTUS Health lung cancer assessment.
There are two main types of lung cancer:
Learn more about the types of lung cancer.
You may be at higher risk for lung cancer if you:
If you fall under any of these risk factors, your doctor may recommend a lung cancer screening. Lung cancer screenings are a simple way to detect lung cancer early, which leads to faster treatment.
People with lung cancer often describe:
Lung cancer can also lead to complications that may not seem directly related to the disease, such as:
While not all cases are preventable, you can lower your risk by:
Learn more about preventing lung cancer.
If you’ve noticed changes in your health that don’t go away, it’s important to listen to your body. Lung cancer symptoms can be easy to overlook or confuse with other conditions, but early detection can make a life-saving difference.
You should see a doctor if you notice persistent signs of lung cancer, such as:
If you’re considered high risk, or if you think you may have symptoms of lung cancer, talk to your doctor about getting a lung cancer screening. Early detection saves lives, and CHRISTUS Health offers lung cancer screenings for people at high risk, especially those with a history of smoking. A low-dose CT scan is a simple way to catch lung cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with lung cancer, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face it alone. At CHRISTUS Health, we’re here to walk with you through every step of care. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, depending on your specific diagnosis and needs. Your care team will work closely with you to create a personalized plan, answer your questions, and support you physically, emotionally, and spiritually throughout your journey.
