Someone with lung cancer may have symptoms specifically related to a tumor in the lungs and may have symptoms caused by the general effects of cancer on the body.

When people have a tumor in the lungs, they often cough or are short of breath. Some people experience these throughout the illness. For others these may only become a problem as the disease advances. There may not be any pain associated with lung cancer. The presence of pain depends on whether the tumor is causing any pressure or damage in the lungs. These symptoms usually can be controlled so that people are comfortable.

Someone with lung cancer may experience symptoms that are common to most cancers generally, which affect energy, strength, appetite, breathing and responsiveness.