Cancer guide
Lung cancer
By Cura Editorial Team ·
The leading cause of cancer death in the US — early detection with low-dose CT and biomarker-driven treatment have changed the outlook dramatically.
Symptoms of lung cancer
Early signs, which ones need a same-week doctor visit, and what screening looks like.
Read the symptoms guideWhat to ask after a lung cancer diagnosis
The questions that shape treatment — biomarkers, staging, surgery, chemo, second opinions.
Read the questions guideWhat to know first
- Low-dose CT screening is recommended for adults 50–80 with a significant smoking history.
- Biomarker testing (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS, PD-L1) is now standard.
- About 10–20% of lung cancers occur in people who never smoked.
When to see a doctor
- A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks or changes character
- Coughing up blood, even once
- Unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain, or weight loss
Frequently asked questions
What are the early warning signs of lung cancer?
The signs that most often lead to a lung cancer diagnosis are: a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks or changes character; coughing up blood, even once; unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain, or weight loss. Any of these lasting more than a couple of weeks is worth a same-week appointment, even though most turn out to be something else.
When should I see a doctor about possible lung cancer?
See a doctor promptly if a symptom is new, persistent, or getting worse rather than better. Describe when it started, how often it happens, and what makes it better or worse — that detail is what decides whether you get imaging or testing at the first visit.
What should I know first about lung cancer?
The leading cause of cancer death in the US — early detection with low-dose CT and biomarker-driven treatment have changed the outlook dramatically. Low-dose CT screening is recommended for adults 50–80 with a significant smoking history. Biomarker testing (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS, PD-L1) is now standard. About 10–20% of lung cancers occur in people who never smoked.
What questions should I ask after a lung cancer diagnosis?
Ask what the exact diagnosis is and how it is staged, what the treatment options are and in what order they would happen, what the goal of treatment is, which side effects to expect, and whether a second opinion or clinical trial makes sense for your situation.
Related guides
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