Lung cancer

Being diagnosed with lung cancer can have an enormous impact on you and your family. You are not alone, and support is available. Many cancer support organisations provide services and resources for people with lung cancer, where you can connect with information and support.

Some people experience judgement and stigma around a lung cancer diagnosis, especially in relation to smoking. Remember that lung cancer is nobody’s fault, and there are services that offer non-judgemental support and understanding to anyone affected by it.

What is lung cancer?#

Lung cancer begins when cells in your lungs grow in a way that is not normal. Cancer that starts in the lungs is known as primary lung cancer, and it can spread to other parts of the body. When cancer starts somewhere else in the body and spreads to the lungs, it is called secondary or metastatic cancer in the lung. This information is about primary lung cancer only.

There are two main types of lung cancer:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Treatment options differ for the different types of lung cancer, so it helps to understand which type you have and what questions to ask your doctor so you receive the best care at every step.

Symptoms#

Common symptoms of lung cancer can include:

• A new cough lasting more than three weeks, or a long-standing cough that gets worse.
• Breathlessness or wheezing.
• Pain in the chest or shoulder.
• A chest infection that lasts more than three weeks or that keeps coming back.
• Coughing or spitting up blood.

Some people have no symptoms, and their lung cancer is found during other tests. Often these symptoms are not caused by cancer, but it is best to check with your doctor anyway. If you notice any symptoms or are worried, contact your doctor.

Risk factors#

Sometimes there is no clear reason why someone develops lung cancer. Some things can make it more likely, and these are called risk factors. They include:

• Smoking tobacco, or being around other people’s second-hand smoke.
• Being exposed to asbestos.
• Exposure to certain chemicals and air pollution.
• Having a family member who has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
• Having another lung disease.
• Being HIV positive.

The risk of lung cancer also increases as you get older. Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop lung cancer. If you are worried about your risk, talk to your doctor.

Tests#

Your doctor may do some tests to check for or confirm lung cancer. There are often several tests involved, which can include:

• Chest x-ray.
• CT scan.
• Lung function test.
• Blood test.
• Biopsy.

Prognosis#

When someone is diagnosed with lung cancer, their doctor will give them a prognosis. A prognosis is the doctor’s opinion about the likely outcome of the disease, although no one can predict exactly how it will respond to treatment. It depends on your test results, the type and stage of the cancer, how fast and how far the tumour has grown, and your age and general health.

Treatment for lung cancer tends to work better when the cancer is found early. Lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, which can mean treatment is ongoing and life may not return to normal. However, newer treatments such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy help some people with advanced lung cancer, and there are also treatments and services that can improve day-to-day life for people living with advanced cancer.

Treatment#

Treatment for lung cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer, how well you can breathe, and your general health. Treatment options can include:

• Surgery.
• Chemotherapy.
• Radiation therapy.
• Targeted therapies.
• Immunotherapy.

Even at advanced stages, there are treatments that can help extend a person’s life and improve their quality of life. This is called palliative treatment.

Living with advanced cancer#

Many people think palliative treatment is only for people who are dying, but it can help at any stage of advanced cancer. Advanced cancer usually means cancer that is unlikely to be cured, though some people can live for many months or years with it. Most people continue to have treatment for advanced cancer as part of palliative care, because it helps manage the cancer and improve day-to-day life. Doctors, nurses and others specialise in palliative care.

Treatment as part of palliative care may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy or another type of treatment. It can help in several ways:

• Slow down how fast the cancer is growing.
• Shrink the cancer.
• Help you live more comfortably by managing symptoms, such as pain.

Treatment depends on your preferences and what you want to do. Ask your doctor about treatment and palliative care services that may help you.

Living with advanced cancer is not easy. It may help to read stories of support and hope from people in a similar situation. Caring for someone with cancer can also be a difficult and emotional time. If you or someone you know is caring for someone with lung cancer, support services can help carers, family and friends find the information, resources and support they may need.

Key points#

• Cancer that starts in the lungs is known as primary lung cancer; this information is about primary lung cancer only.
• Treatment options are different for the different types of lung cancer.
• Symptoms are often not caused by cancer, but it is best to check with your doctor anyway.
• Risk factors such as smoking, second-hand smoke and asbestos can increase the risk of lung cancer.
• Palliative care can help at any stage of advanced cancer, not only at the end of life.

Where to get help#