Lung cancer is often called a "silent killer" because early symptoms are easily mistaken for a common cold or aging. Do not wait until it hurts. If you experience any of the following for more than two weeks, seek expert evaluation immediately:
Symptom | What to Watch For |
Persistent Cough | A cough that does not go away or worsens, especially if you are a smoker or former smoker. |
Hemoptysis | Rust-colored sputum or blood-streaked phlegm, even in small amounts. |
Chest Pain | Sharp or dull pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing. |
Shortness of Breath | Wheezing or breathlessness during normal activities that did not trouble you before. |
Hoarseness | A sudden, unexplained change in voice, often indicating nerve involvement. |
Recurrent Infections | Repeated bronchitis or pneumonia in the same lung area. |
Systemic Signs | Unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, or bone pain. |
If you are over 40 with a history of smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, occupational dust/chemical exposure, or family history of lung cancer, annual low-dose CT screening can detect tumors when they are still tiny and curable.
