How is lung cancer treated?

Doctors first identify the lung cancer type and assess whether it is confined to the lung or has spread. Genomic tumour profiling can look for changes that help match some cancers to targeted medicines. A lung lobectomy removes one lobe and may be considered when the tumour can be treated surgically and lung function is adequate. Radiotherapy directs treatment at a defined area and may be used alone or with other care. Chemotherapy uses medicines that travel through the bloodstream.

Palliative care can be introduced at any stage to relieve symptoms such as pain, breathlessness, tiredness, or anxiety while cancer treatment continues. Persistent cough, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss can have many causes and should be assessed without assuming the diagnosis.

Ask for the planned staging tests, pathology results, and treatment sequence in writing. Tell the team about smoking or vaping, medicines, allergies, heart or lung problems, and your daily activity level. Ask whether breathing tests are needed before surgery. Keep a symptom record, including cough, breathlessness, chest discomfort, appetite, and sleep, and share changes promptly.

Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, new confusion, fainting, or chest pain that is intense or persistent. Contact your treatment team urgently for coughing blood, a sudden increase in breathlessness, or fever during treatment. These symptoms need prompt assessment and do not establish that lung cancer is the cause.

What type and stage of lung cancer do I have? Has genomic tumour profiling been recommended? Is surgery suitable for my lung function? What will radiotherapy or chemotherapy aim to do? How can palliative care support my symptoms alongside treatment?