Lung cancer symptoms and signs

Having a frequent cough, or a cough that won’t go away, can be distressing for many people. It can become painful, and might interrupt sleep and rest.

Tips for managing coughing:²

• Consider using a humidifier to add warmth and moisture to the air, and try to reduce your exposure to anything that might irritate your lungs (e.g. smoke, pollen, dust, etc.)
• Try to sleep or rest on your side, rather than your back or stomach
• Ask if your nurse can teach you some deep breathing exercises, or a technique called 'splinting' (using a pillow or towel to support your chest) to help your cough

Also known as 'dyspnoea', breathlessness can be quite distressing to experience. It can feel as though it is difficult to get enough air, and some people find that it can make them feel quite anxious. It’s important that you try and remain calm if you experience breathlessness, and try not to panic.

Tips for managing breathlessness:²

• Use an oxygen tank if you have been prescribed one by your healthcare team (always use this as your doctor or nurse has described to you previously)
• Carry out some breathing exercises – ask your nurse for any advice on these
• Remove anything near you that might be causing breathing difficulties (e.g. smoke, pollen, and other allergens)

Cancer can sometimes make people lose their appetite. There are a number of reasons for this – it could be that you are feeling nauseous or constipated, or maybe that your cancer is affecting the chemicals your body makes that are responsible for feeling hungry.

Whatever the reason, having a nutritious and balanced diet is important and will help you keep your strength up as you have treatment.

Tips for when you may have trouble eating or have little appetite:²

• Eat little and often
• Include foods that are energy-dense in your meals (for example nuts, dried fruits, dairy, and carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, and beans)
• Ask if your healthcare team can put you in touch with a dietician who specialises in supporting people with cancer

For more ways to maintain a healthy diet while experiencing side effects, explore our diet and nutrition page – click here

Headaches could be a sign of tumours growing in the brain; however they can also be caused by a number of other things – this is why it’s important that you discuss them with your doctor to find out what’s causing them.

Headaches caused by cancer can happen at any time of the day and, if they are very bad, might make you wake up at night. They might make you feel nauseous and are generally uncomfortable.

Tips for managing headaches:²

• Relaxing may help – try massage, acupuncture, or other techniques that might help minimise stress
• Headaches may be made worse by some food types. Ask your healthcare team about any foods you could try to avoid in order to minimise the risk of getting a headache
• Applying a cold compress to your forehead might give some relief

A number of things could make you feel dizzy, including if cancer has spread to the brain. Dizziness in itself isn’t harmful, but it might make you feel nauseous and could lead to a fall.

Tips for managing dizziness:²

• Try and keep hydrated – sip water slowly but frequently
• Avoid sudden movements when changing position (e.g. when standing up from a seated position)
• Be especially careful about your safety – dizziness could lead to a fall. Accept help and support if you need it, including the use of a cane or crutch

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms experienced by people with cancer. It is a tiredness that is not relieved by rest or sleep, which may affect you physically, mentally, and emotionally.²

Tips for managing fatigue:²

• Try taking a regular walk. It may sound like strange advice, but exercise can help manage fatigue by gradually boosting your energy levels in the long term
• Try and have rest periods throughout the day
• Stress can cause fatigue or make it worse – try and find activities that take your mind off your worries, or talk with your healthcare team about emotional support that might help you

If cancer starts growing in the bones, it can lead to pain. Depending on where the cancer has spread to, this pain may lead to further issues. For example, if the arms or legs are affected, pain usually becomes more severe with movement. If the spine is affected, pain is usually worse at night or just after resting.

Telling your healthcare team about any pain is important so that they can monitor its progression and help you find a way to manage it.

Tips for managing bone pain:²

• Hold a hot or cold compress over areas of pain
• Rest if you can, or find something that might distract you from any pain you are feeling
• Some types of massage or acupuncture might help – ask your healthcare team for more advice