Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer in Men
A persistent cough that doesn’t go away, traces of blood in your phlegm, or coughing up blood may all be signs of lung cancer. See a doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.
Smoking is the main risk factor for lung cancer. If you smoke, consider quitting. Your doctor can recommend a cessation plan to help you stop smoking and support you through the process.
Exposure to substances like asbestos, which can be found in homes and commercial buildings built before 1980, can also increase your risk of lung cancer.
This article reviews the signs and symptoms of lung cancer in people assigned male at birth. It also explores whether people assigned female at birth experience different symptoms.
Facts about lung cancer
- The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates there will be 238,340 new cases of lung cancer in 2023 in the United States.
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The ACS estimates around 127,070 people will die from lung cancer in 2023.
- About 1 in 16 people assigned male at birth will receive a lung cancer diagnosis, notes the ACS.
- Smoking is responsible for an estimated 80% to 90% of lung cancer cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- The number of new lung cancer diagnoses is decreasing, in part because more people are quitting smoking or not starting.
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People assigned male at birth who have lung cancer may experience various symptoms depending on the stage of their cancer.
You may not experience any specific symptoms of lung cancer in its early stages. Developing a chronic cough is one of the most common early symptoms of lung cancer.
A 2019 study analyzed how frequently people experience certain symptoms of lung cancer in relation to the stage of their cancer at the time of diagnosis. Here are the findings:
| Symptom | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chronic cough | 51.3% | 67.0% | 72.8% | 63.8% |
| Shortness of breath | 2.0% | 2.7% | 5.1% | 5.7% |
| Wheezing | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.9% | 0.9% |
| Fatigue and weakness | 2.1% | 2.7% | 4.1% | 8.6% |
| Chest, shoulders, or back pain | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.4% | 1.3% |
| Hoarseness | 0.2% | 0.5% | 2.1% | 2.9% |
| Coughing up blood or blood in the phlegm | 28.3% | 37.6% | 38.4% | 27.0% |
| Weight loss | 2.2% | 5.6% | 8.2% | 14.1% |
| Swelling in the neck | 1.2% | 3.9% | 10.0% | 19.1% |
| Headache | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.9% | 4.9% |
| Dizziness | 0.8% | 0.3% | 0.9% | 3.5% |
| Fever | 3.1% | 4.0% | 5.2% | 4.1% |
| Recurrent chest infections (such as bronchitis and pneumonia) | — | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.3% |
Contact a doctor if you have any concerning symptoms or questions about your health. They can diagnose your symptoms and recommend immediate treatment. They can also recommend a lung cancer screening test if they think it might be appropriate for you.
Should you be regularly screened for lung cancer?
Early detection of lung cancer can reduce the risk of death by up to 20%.
If you smoke or have smoked in the past, or if you’ve been exposed to a known risk factor for lung cancer, ask a doctor whether a lung cancer screening test might be right for you.