If you believe you are at high risk for lung cancer, talk with your doctor. Symptoms of lung cancer may include:

• Coughing up blood
• Lung infections (bronchitis or pneumonia) that won’t go away or keep coming back
• Cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse
• Chest pain that is often worse when deep breathing, coughing or laughing
• Weight loss, loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling tired or weak

Unfortunately, most people don’t experience those symptoms right away. In fact, more than 50 percent of people who have lung cancer aren’t diagnosed until it has spread to other parts of the body, when it is treatable but rarely cured. That’s why early screenings are so important.

If you are experiencing these symptoms or are concerned that you are at an increased risk for lung cancer, talk to your physician or call (502) 629-LUNG (5864) to speak with a patient navigator.

Norton Cancer Institute offers painless, high-speed, low-dose CT lung cancer screenings, which can catch symptoms early — and greatly improve the chance of successful treatment.