What are the key symptoms that should prompt a referral for suspected lung cancer in primary care?

Key symptoms that should prompt a referral for suspected lung cancer in primary care include:

• Unexplained cough in people aged 40 and over who have ever smoked or are exposed to asbestos, especially if persistent or recurrent ¹.
• Unexplained chest pain in people aged 40 and over who have ever smoked or are exposed to asbestos ¹.
• Unexplained shortness of breath in people aged 40 and over who have ever smoked or are exposed to asbestos ¹.
• Unexplained haemoptysis in people aged 40 and over who have ever smoked ².
• Chest signs consistent with lung cancer in people aged 40 and over ¹.
• Finger clubbing in people aged 40 and over ¹.
• Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or appetite loss with respiratory symptoms in people aged 40 and over ¹.

Additionally, findings from respiratory examination such as chest signs compatible with lung cancer or finger clubbing should prompt consideration of urgent chest X-ray ¹.