Breathing problems with cancer

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.