Lung cancer: what to watch for and what to do next
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, but early action changes the outcome. If you or someone you care for has a longer-than-usual cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing, don’t ignore it. This page gives straight answers: common signs, who should get screened, how doctors find it, and the treatment options you’ll likely hear about.
Signs, risk factors, and when to see a doctor
Common symptoms include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, and frequent lung infections. These signs can come from other conditions, but if they last more than a few weeks, get checked.
Risk factors: smoking is the biggest one. Secondhand smoke, long-term exposure to radon or asbestos, air pollution, and a family history of lung cancer also raise risk. Age matters too—most cases occur after age 50.
Screening matters. If you are 50–80 years old and have a 20 pack-year smoking history (for example, one pack a day for 20 years) and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years, ask your doctor about annual low-dose CT scans. Screening finds cancers earlier when treatment is more likely to work.
How lung cancer is found and treated
Doctors start with a chest X-ray or CT scan. If something suspicious shows up, they usually do a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and run tests on the tumor. Modern labs look for specific gene changes (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF and others) and proteins (PD-L1). Those results guide treatment.
Treatment depends on stage and tumor type. For early-stage cancer, surgery to remove part of the lung is common. Radiation can replace or support surgery. For more advanced disease, chemo, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy are main options. Targeted drugs work if the tumor has certain mutations; immunotherapy boosts the immune system to attack cancer cells. Often, treatments are combined.
Ask your care team: "Does my tumor have genetic changes? Am I a candidate for targeted therapy or immunotherapy? Are there clinical trials I should consider?" These questions can lead to treatment that fits your specific case.
Supportive care matters. Side effects, pain control, and mental health are part of treatment. Palliative care can improve quality of life at any stage and works alongside cancer treatment.
Practical steps you can take today: stop smoking (your benefit starts immediately), test your home for radon, follow screening guidelines if you qualify, and get medical attention for persistent lung symptoms. If you already have a diagnosis, ask about genetic testing and clinical trials—these options can make a big difference.
If you want help finding reliable resources, screening clinics, or support groups, PharmNet has guides and links to trusted sources. You don’t have to handle this alone—ask questions and get a clear plan with your doctor.
