Do I have lung cancer?

[Joseph M]

I'm 30 and have smoked for 12 years. Have a bit of a nagging pain in my chest past few days like an ache. Terrified it's something bad, what are the odds? Preferably smokers answers here...

[pia_1008]

it could be....but it could also be a musculoskeltal pain or pneumonia. go to the doc to help you put your mind at ease

[abv_md]

Well we cant deny that you're at risk for developing lung cancer since smoking is considered one of the leading cause for such diseases. Considering you're still at a very early age (30) there are several diagnosis that we can consider and needs to be ruled out (simply by paying a visit to your doctor). Most of these conditions are benign, it can range from costochondritis (usually due to heavy activities such as lifting heavy objects etc.) or a simple case of reflux or heartburn. The best thing to do is go see your doctor so he can do proper interview, physical examinations, and probably diagnostic work ups...

[inverse_mushroom_cloud]

When I was 40 I had been smoking for 25 years. I felt a pain in my right lung. It scared me just as your pain scared you. I went to the doctor. He said most likely I have rubbed/irritated the chest wall lining. He also said that lung cancer, in developmental stages, it totally painless.That's why it's so deadly. It grows inside you for decades, never causing pain, until it's too late.I quit smoking as a result of my experience. That was 10 years ago.Good luck. If you're really worried, see a doctor. But I'll bet it's got nothing to do with cancer.

[pongopowder]

I have to ask....are you kidding? "The smoker is afraid of lung cancer..." First, it took 12 years to realize smoking may not be the best idea? Obvious answer aside, do you also have lower back/ back pain in general? Back pain is linked to lung cancer. Also, from being around a lung cancer patient at his worst, he described it as "impossible to get my thoughts out" Meaning, he was havving trouble talking without hacking up a lung and having his "bubbler" on. If your having trouble breathing and havn't been active, I would def. see a docter. They can check you lungs with a device you breath into first....But, coming from a semi-part-time smoker at one point... please quit!! Everyone says its easyier said than done but I stopped cold turkey and havn't looked back. I feel great, can walk more than 3 blocks with my air in-tact and wake up every morning w/o an elephant sitting on my chest...Hope this helps

[Lindsey Cook]

my dad used to, smoke ALOT and he recently had a heart attack, you may be having heart issues. and if u drink that raises the posibility of that. My dad had a mild heart attack, and lived he was in the hospital for 6 days..... just dont smoke anymore. i got asthma from second hand smoke.

[HARD ROCK]

Because lung cancer doesn't cause signs or symptoms in its earliest stages, it's often advanced by the time it's diagnosed. When symptoms do occur, the most common warning sign is a cough, which occurs when a tumor irritates the lining of the airways or blocks the passage of air. In addition to a new cough, be alert for:"Smoker's cough" that worsens Coughing up blood, even a small amount Chest pain Shortness of breath New onset of wheezing Repeated bouts of pneumonia or bronchitis Hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks Lung cancer also may cause fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. If it has spread to other parts of your body (metastasized

[dreamcatcher]

does not sound like lung cancer to me. you would be getting breathless for a start,quite weezy,and most prob crushing pains in your chest. get it cheaked out though cos it could be neumonia or broncitis. soz for the spelling. dont worry am sure everything will be fine.cut down on the ciggies though.