# Lung cancer symptoms: the three-week cough and when to see a GP

> Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/symptoms

## In short

A cough that lasts three weeks, a smoker’s cough that changes, coughing up blood, or unexplained breathlessness should be checked by a GP. Early lung cancer often has no symptoms, which is why it is found late. Recurring chest infections, chest or shoulder pain, and weight loss without trying also need assessment.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the UK, with around 48,000 to 49,000 diagnoses and about 35,000 deaths a year. The main reason survival stays lower than breast or prostate cancer is timing: many people are diagnosed after the cancer has already spread.

That is why a new or changing cough is taken seriously. Most three-week coughs are not cancer. Checking them is still how treatable disease is found.

## Which lung cancer symptoms should you report?

The NHS advises seeing a GP if you have a cough lasting more than two to three weeks, a long-standing cough that gets worse, chest infections that keep coming back, coughing up blood, unexplained breathlessness, unexplained tiredness or weight loss, or pain in the chest or shoulder that does not go away.

You do not need every symptom on the list. One persistent change is enough to book an appointment.

- A new cough lasting three weeks, or a smoker’s cough that changes
- Coughing up blood — even a small amount, even once
- Breathlessness without a clear chest infection
- Chest or shoulder pain that does not settle
- Weight loss, tiredness, or repeated chest infections

## Why does early lung cancer often have no symptoms?

The lungs have few pain nerves in the deeper tissue. A small tumour can grow for some time before it affects breathing or causes a cough. That is why screening programmes use scans, not symptom lists, to find early disease.

If you are a current or former smoker aged 55 to 74, ask whether an NHS Targeted Lung Health Check (a low-dose CT scan) is available in your area. Do not wait for a scan if you already have symptoms.

## Can never-smokers get lung cancer symptoms?

Yes. Around 15% of UK lung cancers occur in people who have never smoked, most often adenocarcinoma. Radon gas, air pollution, second-hand smoke and some workplace exposures also raise risk.

A lasting cough or unexplained breathlessness should be checked whether you smoke or not.

## Key takeaways

- A cough lasting three weeks, coughing up blood, or unexplained breathlessness should be checked by a GP.
- Early lung cancer often causes no symptoms — that is why it is frequently found late.
- Around 15% of UK cases occur in never-smokers.
- Current and ex-smokers aged 55–74 may be offered a Targeted Lung Health Check.

## Related pages in this guide

- Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer
- Symptoms & cough: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/symptoms
- Lung health check: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/screening
- Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/treatment

## Frequently asked questions

### How long should a cough last before I see a GP?

See a GP if a new cough lasts three weeks, or if a long-standing cough changes. Coughing up blood should be checked without waiting three weeks.

### Is a smoker’s cough always lung cancer?

No. Many smokers have a cough from irritation or COPD. A change in that cough, coughing up blood, or breathlessness still needs a GP assessment.

### What will the GP do first?

A GP can examine you, ask about smoking and symptoms, and arrange a chest X-ray. If needed they will refer you on an urgent suspected-cancer pathway for a CT scan or specialist review.

## How you can help

World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency

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This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.