Lung cancer: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for:

   • Severe or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing
   • More than a few streaks or spots of coughed-up blood
   • Coughing blood with chest pain, faintness, or a very fast heartbeat
   • Sudden chest pain or collapse
   • A new seizure, severe confusion, or sudden weakness on one side

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent same-day medical advice if you cough up any blood, even small streaks, or develop a significant new breathing problem.

   During treatment, follow the urgent-contact instructions provided by the cancer team.

   Fever, uncontrolled vomiting, sudden breathlessness, or marked weakness may need prompt assessment, especially when treatment can lower infection-fighting blood cells.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have a cough that lasts, a long-term cough that changes, unexplained weight loss, repeated chest infections, ongoing hoarseness, chest discomfort, or increasing breathlessness.

   These symptoms are often caused by something other than cancer, but they should be assessed.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Lung cancer. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.