Coping physically with cancer
Shortness of breath is a common problem for people with cancer. This can be due to the cancer itself or treatment. The treatment you need depends on the cause of your breathlessness. There are a number of things you can do to help yourself.
Contact your hospital advice line or GP straight away if:
you suddenly become breathless
your breathing gets worse
your breathing is painful
If you can't speak to someone quickly, call 999 or go to your local Accident and Emergency (A&E). You may need urgent treatment.
People with cancer can become short of breath for many different reasons. Breathing problems can be caused by some types of cancer and cancer treatments and other conditions such as pain and heart problems.
Symptoms of breathlessness include fast or shallow breaths and wheezing. Find out more about these and other possible symptoms.
Breathlessness can be caused by cancer or its treatment. Other medical conditions can also cause breathlessness.
The type of treatment you need depends on the cause of your breathlessness. Find out about treating breathlessness, including treating fluid on the lung (pleural effusion).
Cancer can cause fluid to collect around the lungs causing problems with breathing. This fluid build up is called a pleural effusion.
Organisations, support groups, and books to help you cope with breathlessness and other symptoms caused by cancer and its treatment.
Last reviewed: 30 May 2023
Next review due: 30 May 2026
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