What should you know about malignant lung cancer?

Lung cancer can affect breathing and may cause a persistent cough, chest discomfort, breathlessness, coughing blood, tiredness or an unexplained change in voice. These symptoms have many possible causes, so a symptom does not by itself show that cancer is present. Testing may include scans, a tissue sample and checks of nearby or distant areas.

The pathology report identifies the cancer type. Staging describes where it is and whether it has spread. Genomic tumour profiling may look for changes that help the team consider targeted treatment or immunotherapy, when appropriate.

Ask for a clear treatment plan from a lung cancer team. Depending on stage, lung function and general health, care may involve surgery such as lung lobectomy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or other medicines. Palliative care can help with breathlessness, pain, sleep, appetite and emotional support at any stage.

Take prescribed medicines as directed and tell the team about smoking, other illnesses, supplements and changes in breathing. Ask whether pulmonary rehabilitation, nutrition advice or help stopping tobacco would benefit you.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness, blue lips, sudden confusion, chest pain with sweating, coughing a large amount of blood or fainting. Contact your cancer team promptly for fever, rapidly worsening cough, new weakness, severe dehydration or a sudden change in speech, balance or alertness, which may need urgent assessment.

What type and stage of lung cancer do I have? Is genomic profiling appropriate? What is the goal of each proposed treatment? Would surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or another medicine be suitable? How will breathing symptoms and side effects be managed?