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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    My dad has smoked for 35 years and has a chesty dry cough, could this be a symptom of lung cancer?

    Related Topics
    Cancer Lung Cancer
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    Dr Sujoy Mitra

    Medical Oncologist (Cancer Specialist)

    Medical oncologist and clinical haematologist treating all malignancies apart from acute leukaemias. View Profile

    If it is a persisting problem the best thing to do would be to visit a GP and get referred onto the correct specialist that can diagnose the route of the problem.
    Environmental aspects can play a part with the coughing. This along with previous health conditions such as asthma or respiratory health issues.

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    Dr Adrian Chazan

    Respiratory & Sleep Medicine Physician

    Dr Adrian Chazan is a Respiratory & Sleep Disorders Physician and General Physician with a number of special interests including asthma and obstructive sleep apnoea. … View Profile

    Cough is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of factors and respiratory conditions. Lung cancer is one possible cause of cough although it is certainly not the most common. 

    Given your father's history of smoking he is at a higher risk of developing lung cancer. In light of the seriousness of lung cancer I would advise your father to see his doctor for an assessment which would include a chest x-ray and/or a CT scan of his lungs. If there are no signs of lung cancer it would put his and your minds at rest. 

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