Many people don’t experience symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer. Unfortunately, once symptoms begin, lung cancer has usually progressed to an advanced stage. That’s why early detection is critical to getting effective treatment.
Once lung cancer has progressed, the cancerous cells take up a large amount of space in the lungs which can cause symptoms, such as:
- Chest pain
- Persistent coughing that does not improve within a few weeks
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Many of these symptoms can be confused with an upper respiratory infection. However, if they continue for a long time, it’s important to seek medical attention.
As the cancerous cells spread, you may experience additional symptoms, including:
- Chronic fatigue
- Coughing up blood
- Weight loss
The best way to prevent lung cancer is to quit smoking. We offer a free, six-week program to help you stop smoking and significantly reduce your risk for lung cancer.