What should you know about Kathy Griffin and lung cancer?

Kathy Griffin's public experience with lung cancer does not predict another person's diagnosis, stage or treatment; those decisions depend on individual test results and health. A celebrity's account may help raise awareness, but it cannot show whether a symptom is cancer or which treatment would be suitable for you. If you are looking for general information, see the guide to [Lung Cancer](/conditions/lung-cancer/).

Lung cancer begins when abnormal cells in lung tissue grow in an uncontrolled way. Doctors assess the tumour's type, location, size and spread before recommending care. Imaging scans, a biopsy and other laboratory tests may be used to establish the diagnosis and stage. Genomic tumour profiling can examine tumour changes that may help the team consider targeted treatment options.

Possible symptoms include a cough that does not settle, breathlessness, chest discomfort, coughing blood, unexplained weight loss or a persistent hoarse voice. A hoarse voice is a common symptom with many possible causes, so having it does not by itself establish lung cancer. Read more about [Hoarse Voice](/symptoms/hoarse-voice/). Cancer that has spread to another organ is described as metastatic disease; [Brain Metastases](/conditions/brain-metastases/) is one example of a possible spread site.

Arrange an appointment with a doctor if a respiratory symptom persists, worsens or is accompanied by coughing blood. Bring a list of symptoms, medicines, smoking or vaping history, previous illnesses and questions. If lung cancer is diagnosed, ask which tests confirmed it, what the stage means, and whether genomic tumour profiling is appropriate.

Treatment may combine approaches according to the tumour and the person's goals. Options can include surgery such as [Lung Lobectomy](/treatments/surgical-oncology/lung-lobectomy/), [Radiotherapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/radiotherapy/), [Chemotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/chemotherapy/) or another systemic treatment. [Palliative Care](/treatments/supportive-and-palliative-care/palliative-care/) can help manage symptoms and support quality of life at any stage, alongside cancer-directed treatment when appropriate.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing, coughing a significant amount of blood, sudden confusion, a new seizure, fainting or chest pain that is severe or does not ease. These warning signs need prompt assessment regardless of whether lung cancer has been diagnosed. Do not wait for a routine appointment if breathing becomes unsafe.

You could ask: What type of lung cancer is present? What do the scans and biopsy show? Has it spread beyond the lung? Which tests are still needed? Would genomic tumour profiling change the treatment discussion? What benefits and side effects should I expect from each option? Who should I contact if symptoms change?