Overview
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death, and in India it is driven not only by smoking but also by years of air pollution and biomass cooking smoke. It often causes no symptoms early on, so it is frequently found late. A cough that will not settle, coughing blood, or unexplained weight loss in a smoker or long-term-exposed person must never be ignored, because catching it earlier greatly improves the chance of successful treatment.
Symptoms
- A cough that lasts more than three weeks or changes
- Coughing up blood or blood-streaked phlegm
- Persistent breathlessness or chest pain
- Repeated chest infections
- Unexplained weight loss and tiredness
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for a cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing blood, or unexplained weight loss — especially with any smoking or smoke exposure.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Coughing up large amounts of blood, or sudden severe breathlessness or chest pain — seek emergency care immediately
Causes
Smoking is the biggest cause; also passive smoke, air pollution, cooking-fire smoke, asbestos and other workplace exposures, and family history.