Lung Cancer: Causes, Signs, and What You Need to Know

When we talk about lung cancer, a type of cancer that begins in the lungs and often spreads before it’s found. It’s also known as pulmonary carcinoma, and it’s the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide—not because it’s the most common, but because it’s usually caught too late. Most people don’t feel sick until it’s advanced. That’s why knowing the early signs isn’t just helpful—it’s life-saving.

Smoking is the biggest risk factor, but lung cancer can also strike people who’ve never touched a cigarette. Exposure to radon gas, air pollution, asbestos, and even secondhand smoke play a role. And it’s not just about habits—genetics and family history matter too. What’s surprising is how often lung cancer shows up as something else: a persistent cough, back pain, or even just feeling tired all the time. These aren’t just "old age" symptoms. They’re red flags.

Early detection saves lives. That’s why the 10 cancer warning signs you shouldn’t ignore include things like coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, and chest pain that doesn’t go away. If you’ve been a smoker—or even if you haven’t—and you’ve had a cough for more than three weeks, get it checked. No waiting. No hoping it’ll go away. The sooner you act, the better your odds.

There’s no single test for lung cancer, but low-dose CT scans are now recommended for high-risk adults. Blood tests won’t catch it, but they can show if something’s wrong—like a drop in oxygen levels or abnormal liver enzymes from cancer spread. Treatment options have improved dramatically: targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and precision medicine are giving people years instead of months. But none of it works if you don’t catch it early.

What you’ll find below are real, practical articles that cut through the noise. You’ll learn how lung cancer shows up in blood reports, what other conditions mimic its symptoms, and how to spot the warning signs before it’s too late. There’s no fluff. Just what you need to know to protect yourself or someone you care about.