Lung cancer
Smoking tobacco is the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK. There are some other risk factors that can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
We have more detailed information for health professionals about lung cancer risks and causes.
Go to the Cancer Statistics section
There are ways you can reduce your risk of cancer.
Last reviewed: 14 Mar 2023
Next review due: 14 Mar 2026
Lung cancer doesn't always cause symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms can include a cough that won't go away, coughing up blood and breathlessness.
You usually start by seeing your GP, and they might refer you to a specialist and organise tests. Or you might be referred to a specialist and further tests if screening for lung cancer or a lung health check showed that you might have lung cancer.
The stage of a cancer tells you how big it is and whether it has spread. The type tells which type of cell the cancer started from.
In the UK, the National Screening Committee recommends that people at high risk of lung cancer are invited to screening. This is called targeted lung cancer screening.
Your treatment depends on several factors. These include what type of lung cancer you have, how big it is and whether it has spread (the stage). It also depends on your general health.
Lung cancer starts in the windpipe (trachea), the main airway (bronchus) or the lung tissue. Cancer that starts in the lung is called primary lung cancer.
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