Young woman di.es just two weeks after lu.ng can.cer diagnosis, doctors warn: These 3 types of cough could be a “de.ath sentence”

Coughing is very common, especially during cold seasons. But coughing in these three specific ways may be a sign that lung cancer cells are “growing at an alarming speed.”

The death of a woman in her early 20s in Fujian, China—only 14 days after being diagnosed with lung cancer—has shocked her family and the public. Her rapid decline raises a troubling question: how could a young, seemingly healthy body collapse so quickly?

Professor Chen Xiaoyang, Head of the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, said the patient initially sought medical care because of persistent coughing. The critical issue, however, was that her cough showed multiple abnormal features that were underestimated for a long time.

Specifically, she had been coughing persistently for months, accompanied by chest tightness, frequent fatigue, and an unexplained decline in mental well-being. By the time lung cancer was detected, it was already at an advanced stage. Her body was severely weakened, with signs of brain metastasis and metastasis to the pericardium. In addition, small-cell lung cancer, a history of smoking, and her young age—associated with a faster metabolism and more aggressive spread—also contributed to this tragic outcome.

Doctors warn: 3 types of cough that may signal lung cancer

Lung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Professor Chen Xiaoyang emphasized that early-stage lung cancer often progresses silently, with no obvious symptoms. When typical signs appear, the disease is usually already in the middle or late stages.

Among these symptoms, cough is the most common—and the most easily ignored. To detect danger early, special attention should be paid to the following three abnormal types of cough:

1. A cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks or not responding to standard treatment

Many people assume a cough is caused by a cold, sore throat, or allergies and simply take cough medicine. The key factor is duration. If the cough persists despite symptomatic treatment or lasts longer than two weeks, it is clearly abnormal.

In such cases, Professor Chen stresses the need for a standard-dose chest CT scan rather than a low-dose scan. Low-dose CT is mainly used for routine screening and may miss clear pathological signs when the body is already sending warning signals.

2. A change in the nature of coughing in smokers or those exposed to secondhand smoke

Long-term smokers or people frequently exposed to cigarette smoke often become accustomed to intermittent coughing, which can lead to complacency and reduced alertness to illness.

However, if the cough suddenly becomes deeper, hoarser, more severe, or is accompanied by chest pain, its nature has changed. Even without current smoke exposure, persistent dry coughing can indicate severe irritation of the respiratory lining.

3. Severe, uncontrollable coughing fits that occur frequently

Many lung cancer patients later recall a sensation of being unable to stop coughing—often described as repeated dry coughing fits. This usually results from compression or irritation of lung tissue caused by a tumor directly affecting the bronchi or trachea.

Some patients may cough up small amounts of white, foamy sputum, or yellow, purulent sputum if an infection is present. Most importantly, if blood appears when coughing—whether blood-streaked sputum or coughing up blood directly—immediate medical attention is critical, as this is an extremely dangerous warning sign.