A Persistent Cough That Turned Out to Be Lung Cancer
When is a cough more than a cough?
Most coughs are harmless and go away within two or three weeks. A cough that lasts longer than three weeks, keeps coming back or slowly changes is a reason to see a doctor, even if you feel otherwise healthy and even if you have never smoked.
In July 2012, Becky Slootheer had what seemed like a short episode of a minor cough. It did not go away. The diagnosis took everyone by surprise: stage four lung cancer. Her husband Roy was working as an ER nurse at the time, and he tells their story in his memoir Broken Glass.
Which symptoms of lung cancer should you not ignore?
Lung cancer often causes few or no symptoms in the early stages, and the first signs can look like everyday complaints. See a doctor if you notice:
A cough that lasts longer than three weeks or changes
Coughing up blood or rust-colored mucus
Shortness of breath that is new or getting worse
Chest pain that gets worse with deep breathing, coughing or laughing
Hoarseness that does not go away
Repeated infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
Unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite or constant tiredness
Having one of these symptoms does not mean you have cancer. It means it is worth having it checked.
Can you get lung cancer if you never smoked?
Yes. Smoking is the biggest risk factor, but lung cancer also occurs in people who have never smoked. Other known risk factors include radon gas in the home, secondhand smoke, air pollution and exposure to substances such as asbestos. That is why a persistent cough deserves attention in anyone.
What happens when you see the doctor?
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and listen to your lungs. Depending on what they find, the next steps can include:
A chest X-ray
A CT scan, which shows more detail
A referral to a lung specialist
A biopsy, if the scan shows something that needs a closer look
Waiting for results is often the hardest part. Ask when you can expect them and who will call you.
Tips for talking to your doctor about a cough
Write down when the cough started and how it has changed
Mention every other symptom, even if it seems unrelated
Tell the doctor if you have ever smoked, lived with a smoker or worked with dust or chemicals
Ask directly: "Could this be something serious, and how do we rule that out?"
If the cough does not improve after treatment, go back
Frequently asked questions
How long is too long for a cough?
A cough that lasts longer than three weeks is worth discussing with a doctor. For a cough after a cold, the guideline is often a bit longer, but if something feels off, do not wait.
Is lung cancer found early?
Often it is not, because early symptoms are mild or absent. In the United States, screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for certain people with a history of heavy smoking. Ask your doctor whether it applies to you.
Roy shares what he learned as a nurse and as a husband. This is personal experience, not medical advice. Always talk to your own doctor about your situation.
Read Broken Glass
In Broken Glass Roy tells how a cough turned out to be stage four lung cancer, and what came after. Order a signed copy or read a chapter for free.
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