LIVING WITH CANCER

Lung cancer develops when cells in the lungs grow in an uncontrolled way. The lungs are responsible for bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide, so changes in lung tissue can affect breathing and overall health.

There are two main types. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common and usually grows more slowly. Small cell lung cancer is less common but tends to grow and spread more quickly.

If untreated, lung cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes or to other parts of the body, such as the liver, bones, or brain.

Who’s most at risk and why

Smoking remains the strongest risk factor for lung cancer. The longer someone has smoked and the more cigarettes they have smoked, the higher the risk becomes.

However, lung cancer can also develop in people who have never smoked. Exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution, asbestos, or certain workplace chemicals can increase risk. Previous lung disease and a family history of lung cancer may also play a role.

Because risk can develop gradually over time, lung cancer is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 60.

Knowing the signs

Symptoms of lung cancer can develop slowly and may be mistaken for other conditions at first. A persistent cough that does not go away or changes over time is one of the most common signs. Some people cough up blood or notice ongoing chest pain.

Other symptoms may include breathlessness, repeated chest infections, unexplained weight loss, or feeling unusually tired. A hoarse voice or swelling in the face or neck can also occur in some cases.

These symptoms can have many causes, but if they persist or feel unusual for you, it is important to speak with a GP.

Diagnosis: Is it cancer?

People may be referred for investigation after visiting their GP with symptoms, through hospital tests for another condition, or through targeted lung screening programmes.

Initial tests often include a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for changes in the lungs. If something suspicious is found, further tests may be needed. These can include bronchoscopy, where a thin camera is passed into the lungs, or a biopsy where small samples of tissue are taken for analysis.

Scans such as CT, PET, or MRI may also be used to determine whether the cancer has spread and to help plan treatment.

What’s going to happen

If lung cancer is diagnosed, your case will usually be reviewed by a multidisciplinary team. This team may include respiratory specialists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and specialist nurses.

They will assess the type of lung cancer, its stage, and your overall health before recommending the most appropriate treatment approach.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of lung cancer, how far it has spread, and your general health. If the cancer is detected early and is confined to one part of the lung, surgery may be offered to remove the affected section.

Radiotherapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells and may be used either on its own or alongside other treatments.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and may be used before or after other treatments, or when the cancer has spread.

Targeted therapies and immunotherapy are increasingly used for certain types of lung cancer where specific genetic changes are present. These treatments help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells or block signals that help tumours grow.

When the cancer is more advanced, treatment may focus on slowing the disease, managing symptoms, and maintaining quality of life.

Prognosis

Outcomes for lung cancer vary depending on the type of cancer and how early it is detected.

When lung cancer is found at an early stage, treatment can be very effective and may lead to long-term control or cure. Advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapy are improving outcomes for many people.

Even when the disease has spread, treatments can often help control symptoms and extend life while maintaining quality of life.