Cancer Of The Lung

Introduction

Source: NHS

In this topic (11)

Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. Around 44,500 people are diagnosed with the condition every year in the UK.

There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer, but many people with the condition eventually develop symptoms including:

  • a persistent cough
  • coughing up blood
  • persistent breathlessness
  • unexplained tiredness and weight loss
  • an ache or pain when breathing or coughing

You should see your GP if you have these symptoms.

Cancer that spreadsto the lungsfrom another place in the body is known as secondary lung cancer. Thispage is aboutprimary lung cancer.

There are two main types of primary lung cancer.These are classified by the type of cells in which the cancer starts. They are:

  • non-small-cell lung cancer the most common type, accounting for more than 80% of cases; can be eithersquamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma or large-cell carcinoma
  • small-cell lung cancer a less common type thatusually spreadsfaster than non-small-cell lung cancer

The type of lung cancer you have determines which treatments are recommended.

Who's affected

Lung cancer mainly affects older people.It'srare in people younger than 40, and the rates of lung cancer rise sharply with age. Lung cancer is most commonlydiagnosed in people aged 70-74.

Although people who have never smoked can develop lung cancer, smoking is the main cause (accounting for over 85% of cases). This is because smoking involves regularly inhaling a number of different toxic substances.

This means the outlook for the condition isn't as good as manyother types of cancer.

Overall, about 1 in 3 people with the condition live for at least a year after they're diagnosed andabout 1 in20 people live at least10 years.

However, survival rates can vary widely, depending on how far the cancer has spread at the time of diagnosis.Early diagnosis can make a big difference.

Read about living with lung cancer.

How well your local NHS performs

Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are NHS organisations that organise the delivery of NHS services in England. They play a major role in achieving good health outcomes for the local population they serve.

You can nowcheck how your local CCG compares against others for lung cancer survival (PDF, 900kb).

Articles for Cancer Of The Lung

'I didn't fit the typical profile of someone with lung cancer'

Peter Quinn was diagnosed with lung cancer after visiting his GP with pain and swelling in his knees.

'I was determined not to let the diagnosis spoil my life'

Shirley Smith went to her GP after she had coughed up a spot of blood. Within a week, she'd had a scan in hospital and been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.

'I'm thankful I saw my GP as soon as I spotted the symptoms'

Ann Long, a retired social worker, had surgery to remove part of her lung after she was diagnosed with lung cancer.

'I've had full quality of life for a very long time now'

Geoff Williams, a retired language lecturer, had surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy after he was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Causes of lung cancer

Most cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking, although people who have never smoked can also develop the condition.

Diagnosing lung cancer

See your GP if you have symptoms of lung cancer, such as breathlessness or a persistent cough.

Introduction

Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. Around 44,500 people are diagnosed with the condition every year in the UK.

Living with lung cancer

Lung cancer can affect your daily life in different ways, depending on what stage it's at and the treatment you're having.

Preventing lung cancer

If you smoke, the best way to prevent lung cancer and other serious conditions is to stop smoking as soon as possible.

Symptoms of lung cancer

Symptoms of lung cancer develop as the condition progresses and there are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages.

Treating lung cancer

People with cancer should be cared for by a multidisciplinary team (MDT), a team of specialists who work together to provide the best treatment and care.