Information for the public

Chest

Chest

Being referred to a specialist does not mean that you have cancer. Very few people who are referred to a specialist actually have cancer. However, it is important that you are checked quickly to find out. If you do have cancer, spotting it early can mean treatment is easier and more likely to be successful.

Problems with your chest and lungs

Some chest symptoms, such as cough and shortness of breath, are common and have many different causes. However, you may be offered checks for possible cancer if your GP doesn't think they are caused by anything else, depending on your age, if you have other symptoms or have ever smoked.

You should be offered an appointment to see a cancer specialist within 2 weeks to check for lung cancer if:

  • you have had a chest X‑ray and the results suggest you might have lung cancer or

  • you are 40 or over and coughing up blood, and your GP doesn't think it is caused by anything else.

You should be offered a chest X‑ray, which should be carried out within 2 weeks, to check for lung cancer or a type of cancer called mesothelioma (which can affect the lining of the lungs and chest) if you are 40 or over, have 2 or more of the following symptoms and your GP doesn't think that they are caused by anything else:

  • cough

  • shortness of breath

  • chest pain

  • tiredness

  • weight loss

  • appetite loss.

If you have ever smoked and are 40 or over you should also be offered a chest X‑ray, which should be carried out within 2 weeks, to check for lung cancer or mesothelioma if you have a cough, shortness of breath or chest pain and your GP doesn't think that it is caused by anything else. If you have any of these symptoms, are 40 or over and have been exposed to asbestos you should also be offered a chest X‑ray, which should be carried out within 2 weeks, to check for mesothelioma.

You might also be offered a chest X‑ray to check for lung cancer or mesothelioma, which should be carried out within 2 weeks, if you are 40 or over and:

  • your GP examines you and finds signs that lung disease or cancer are possible or

  • you have had a chest infection that you can't seem to get rid of or keeps coming back after treatment.

For more information on chest X‑rays see test results.

  • Information Standard