Lung cancer is a type of cancer that typically affects those who have smoked or those who have a family history of having lung cancer. There are two types, small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, and they can be treated by radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. There are many symptoms of this type of cancer, although most of the following signs typically appear during the later stages of the disease:

1. Chronic cough that gets worse
Cough can be a sign of many different illnesses, or even just a cold or allergies, but if your coughing gets worse and worse, it may be time to check into a doctor. A chronic cough could be the sign of many different more serious illnesses.

2. Coughing up blood
Although coughing up blood is typically a symptom of lung cancer that has progressed to later stages, it is still very telling. Coughing blood is definitely a sign that something is wrong. If you are coughing blood and are experiencing pain, get to the doctor immediately.

3. Chest pain
Pain in the chest can be indicative of lung cancer, although if you have slight pain and no other symptoms, you should not be that worried. Pain can be in the chest or rib and can be dull or sharp. Chronic chest pain can be a sign of something serious.

4. Hoarseness
Hoarseness is often a side effect of an excess of yelling or a cold, but in cases of persistent problems, it should be checked out. Your throat is made to allow you to talk and breathe all day without pain, so if you are experiencing pain when you are using your throat for normal activities, there is most likely a deep problem that you should get checked out.

5. Loss of appetite
Lack of appetite may not seem like a big deal, but in the long run, it can be detrimental to health and wellness, and it can also be an indicator of lung cancer. Although losing your appetite for one or two days is probably not something to worry about, having to force yourself to eat meals daily is something you should get checked out and is a symptom of a larger problem.

6. Shortness of breath
If you are frequently out of breath despite being relatively in shape, you could be at risk for having lung cancer. This symptom can include huffing and puffing while climbing the stairs, having to sit down after a walk, or not being able to complete activities you had formerly been able to do.

7. Fatigue
Chronic fatigue can be another sign of lung cancer. If you can’t seem to get enough sleep to want to wake up each morning, no matter how early you get to bed, you might be at risk for having lung cancer. Chronic exhaustion is easy to write off as a symptom of getting older or having busy days, but it’s important to remember that it can be a sign of something more and should be looked into if it persists.