Monday 23 September 2024
Maggie's
You may be worried about lung cancer, have been recently diagnosed, or you may be thinking of someone you care about.
This page has information about lung cancer symptoms, getting diagnosed, managing treatment and side effects, and how ¾ÞÈéÎÞÂë can help.
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Lung cancer is a cancer that starts in the lungs.
It starts when cells in the lung airways or tissue grow in an uncontrolled way and form a tumour.
There are two main groups of lung cancer:
There are different types of non-small cell lung cancer depending on the cell the cancer starts in. These include:
Small cell lung cancer starts in the neuroendocrine cells of the lungs and is often slow growing.
The tumours can be called neuroendocrine tumours (NETs).
Lung cancer can be primary or secondary.
Primary lung cancer is lung cancer that has not spread beyond the lungs or nearby lymph nodes.
Secondary lung cancer is when the cancer has spread from the lungs to other parts of the body.
This is sometimes called advanced lung cancer, metastatic lung cancer or stage 4 lung cancer.
Mesothelioma starts in the cells that cover certain organs. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos and affects the lungs, but it is not a type of lung cancer.
Cancerous tumours that spread from other parts of the body to the lungs are called lung metastases. This is different from lung cancer, which starts in the lungs.
Find the page for the type of cancer you have for more information.
The main cause of lung cancer is smoking tobacco, but people who have never smoked can still get lung cancer.
There are other factors that increase your risk of developing lung cancer specifically, including:
Other risk factors are common to all cancers. Find out more about reducing your risk of cancer.
Having risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get lung cancer. But it is helpful to be aware of the risks so you can see a doctor if you have any concerns.
In the UK, a targeted lung health check (TLHC) programme is being rolled out.
People aged between 55–74 with a history of smoking on their GP record are assessed, and those with a high risk of developing lung cancer are invited for scans every two years.
The scheme will be available to everyone eligible by March 2030.
You may be offered regular scans or blood tests if you have high-risk genetic factors or a family history of lung cancer. Find out more about genetic testing for cancer.
Lung cancer often has no early signs. When it does cause symptoms, these may include:
Most people with these symptoms do not have lung cancer.
If you do have symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor.
If it is cancer, it will be easier to treat if it has been detected early.
Lung cancer is often found during tests and scans for other reasons.
But if you have been having symptoms, the first step will usually be to see your GP.
Your GP will ask you to describe your symptoms.
You should also tell them about any previous lung conditions you have had, and if you have a family history of lung cancer.
The doctor might:
If you don't have a hospital appointment and your symptoms continue or get worse, you should make another GP appointment.
Find out more about preparing for your GP appointment.
To find the cause of your symptoms, a lung specialist may arrange further tests, such as:
After these tests and scans, you will be given an appointment to receive your results.
Waiting for appointments, tests and results can be a difficult time, and you might find that talking to someone helps. Find out more about how ¾ÞÈéÎÞÂë can help.
The doctor will explain if you have lung cancer in your results appointment, and whether you need further tests and scans to see if the cancer has moved outside the lung.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed or in shock after hearing that you have lung cancer, and you might have a lot of information to process.
Our cancer support specialists are here to listen, to help you understand what your diagnosis means, and to find the right support for you.
Find your nearest ¾ÞÈéÎÞÂë to talk to us, or find out more about understanding a cancer diagnosis.
Treatment can be aimed at shrinking a tumour, removing the cancer completely, or controlling the symptoms that it causes.
You may have more than one type of treatment.
The treatments most commonly offered for lung cancer are:
Your cancer care team will work together to decide which treatment options could be best for you. Your doctor and specialist nurse will then discuss these with you.
You might want to get a second opinion before deciding on a treatment plan.
Making treatment decisions can feel daunting, and you might have lots of concerns or questions. Find out more about how ¾ÞÈéÎÞÂë can support you.
A lung cancer diagnosis can affect your life in many ways. You may be dealing with:
Contact or visit your nearest ¾ÞÈéÎÞÂë centre and together we will find the right support for you.
You can also explore our cancer support pages for more information.
When treatment ends, it can leave you with mixed feelings of relief and uncertainty.
For many people, lung cancer is treated successfully. For some, it comes back or is diagnosed at an advanced stage from the start.
We have more information on finishing treatment and treatment for advanced cancer, as well as courses and workshops to support you and your family beyond treatment.
We offer free expert psychological and practical support tailored to you, whatever stage you're at, and for friends and family too.
Last review: Nov 2024 | Next review: Nov 2027
An overview of lung cancer, including the symptoms, causes and who might be affected, treatments and outlooks.
From Nhs
Last reviewed: 12 November 2024
Information about the risk factors for lung cancer and what you might be able to do to help lower your risk.
From American Cancer Society
Last reviewed: 12 November 2024
Information about the symptoms of lung cancer, including the most common and less common signs.
From Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
Last reviewed: 12 November 2024
Information about the NHS lung screening programme, why they may be done, who may be eligible, and what to do if you haven't yet been invited for a check.
From Nhs
Last reviewed: 12 November 2024
Information about getting referred to a specialist, and UK referral guidelines.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 12 November 2024
Information about lung cancer, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and support.
From Macmillan Cancer Support
Last reviewed: 12 November 2024
Information about lung cancer, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
From Patient
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
How lung cancer is diagnosed and the tests you can expect. We also cover the stages of lung cancer that can be diagnosed.
From Asthma + Lung Uk
Last reviewed: 12 November 2024
Information about preparing for treatment, as well as treatment options and follow-ups for lung cancer.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
Information about seeking supporting (palliative) care for lung cancer to relieve pain, stress and other symptoms, and improve quality of life at any stage.
From American Lung Association
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
Information about ALK-positive lung cancer and the support available for patients and families.
From Alk-Positive Uk
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
Guidance on accessing the NHS stop smoking services to help you quite smoking.
From Nhs
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
Information about the risks to your health from radon exposure, including lung cancer.
From Ukradon
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
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