Lung cancer

You may be worried about lung cancer, have been recently diagnosed, or you may be thinking of someone you care about.

This page has information about lung cancer symptoms, getting diagnosed, managing treatment and side effects, and how Maggie's can help.

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is a cancer that starts in the lungs.

It starts when cells in the lung airways or tissue grow in an uncontrolled way and form a tumour.

Types of lung cancer

There are two main groups of lung cancer: 

• non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
• small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Non-small cell lung cancer

There are different types of non-small cell lung cancer depending on the cell the cancer starts in. These include:

• adenocarcinoma
• squamous cell cancer
• larger cell carcinoma

Small cell lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer starts in the neuroendocrine cells of the lungs and is often slow growing. 

The tumours can be called neuroendocrine tumours (NETs).

Primary and secondary lung cancer

Lung cancer can be primary or secondary.

Primary lung cancer is lung cancer that has not spread beyond the lungs or nearby lymph nodes.

Secondary lung cancer is when the cancer has spread from the lungs to other parts of the body. 

This is sometimes called advanced lung cancer, metastatic lung cancer or stage 4 lung cancer.

Related cancers

Mesothelioma starts in the cells that cover certain organs. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos and affects the lungs, but it is not a type of lung cancer.

Cancerous tumours that spread from other parts of the body to the lungs are called lung metastases. This is different from lung cancer, which starts in the lungs.

Find the page for the type of cancer you have for more information.

Causes of lung cancer

The main cause of lung cancer is smoking tobacco, but people who have never smoked can still get lung cancer.

There are other factors that increase your risk of developing lung cancer specifically, including:

• passive smoking (breathing in smoke from other people’s cigarettes, cigars and pipes)
• family history of lung cancer
• exposure to chemicals including asbestos, silica, arsenic and diesel fumes
• air pollution
• exposure to radiation, such as previous radiotherapy to the chest
• previous lung disease, such as tuberculosis (TB) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• compromised immune system caused by HIV, AIDS, an autoimmune disease or taking immunosuppressive drugs

Other risk factors are common to all cancers. Find out more about reducing your risk of cancer.

Having risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get lung cancer. But it is helpful to be aware of the risks so you can see a doctor if you have any concerns.

Lung cancer screening

In the UK, a targeted lung health check (TLHC) programme is being rolled out. 

People aged between 55–74 with a history of smoking on their GP record are assessed, and those with a high risk of developing lung cancer are invited for scans every two years. 

The scheme will be available to everyone eligible by March 2030.

You may be offered regular scans or blood tests if you have high-risk genetic factors or a family history of lung cancer. Find out more about genetic testing for cancer.

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer

Lung cancer often has no early signs. When it does cause symptoms, these may include:

• a cough that doesn’t go away
• a change in an existing cough, such as it becoming painful or sounding different
• coughing up phlegm (sputum) or blood
• feeling out of breath or wheezy doing things you used to manage easily
• an ache or pain in your chest or shoulder
• repeated chest infections
• fatigue
• weight loss 
  
• loss of appetite

Most people with these symptoms do not have lung cancer. 

If you do have symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor. 

If it is cancer, it will be easier to treat if it has been detected early.

Getting diagnosed with lung cancer

Lung cancer is often found during tests and scans for other reasons. 

But if you have been having symptoms, the first step will usually be to see your GP.

What happens in your GP appointment

Your GP will ask you to describe your symptoms. 

You should also tell them about any previous lung conditions you have had, and if you have a family history of lung cancer.

The doctor might:

• listen to your lungs using a stethoscope on your chest and back
• examine you by feeling your glands (lymph nodes) in your neck and armpits
• ask you to blow into a device called a spirometer to measure the amount of air you breathe out in one breath
• arrange blood and sputum (phlegm) tests
• ask to see you again
• arrange for you to see a specialist at the hospital

If you don't have a hospital appointment and your symptoms continue or get worse, you should make another GP appointment.

Find out more about preparing for your GP appointment.

Testing for lung cancer

To find the cause of your symptoms, a lung specialist may arrange further tests, such as:

• an X-ray of your chest
• a CT scan or a PET-CT scan
• a biopsy, where a tiny sample of your lung tissue is removed and tested

After these tests and scans, you will be given an appointment to receive your results.

Waiting for appointments, tests and results can be a difficult time, and you might find that talking to someone helps. Find out more about how Maggie's can help.

Understanding a lung cancer diagnosis

The doctor will explain if you have lung cancer in your results appointment, and whether you need further tests and scans to see if the cancer has moved outside the lung.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed or in shock after hearing that you have lung cancer, and you might have a lot of information to process.

Our cancer support specialists are here to listen, to help you understand what your diagnosis means, and to find the right support for you.

Find your nearest Maggie's to talk to us, or find out more about understanding a cancer diagnosis.

Treatment for lung cancer

Treatment can be aimed at shrinking a tumour, removing the cancer completely, or controlling the symptoms that it causes. 

You may have more than one type of treatment.

The treatments most commonly offered for lung cancer are:

• surgery
• chemotherapy
• radiotherapy
• chemoradiotherapy
• microwave ablation (MWA)
• photodynamic therapy (PDT)
• laser therapy
• targeted therapies
• immunotherapy
• clinical trials

Your cancer care team will work together to decide which treatment options could be best for you. Your doctor and specialist nurse will then discuss these with you.

You might want to get a second opinion before deciding on a treatment plan.

Making treatment decisions can feel daunting, and you might have lots of concerns or questions. Find out more about how Maggie's can support you.

Managing the effects of lung cancer and treatment

A lung cancer diagnosis can affect your life in many ways. You may be dealing with:

• symptoms and side effects of lung cancer and treatment
• changes to your day-to-day life
• worries about money
• a range of feelings and emotions

Contact or visit your nearest Maggie's centre and together we will find the right support for you.

You can also explore our cancer support pages for more information.

After treatment for lung cancer

When treatment ends, it can leave you with mixed feelings of relief and uncertainty.

For many people, lung cancer is treated successfully. For some, it comes back or is diagnosed at an advanced stage from the start.

We have more information on finishing treatment and treatment for advanced cancer, as well as courses and workshops to support you and your family beyond treatment.

How Maggie's can help

We offer free expert psychological and practical support tailored to you, whatever stage you're at, and for friends and family too.

• Find your nearest centre, leave your details and we’ll give you a call
• Just come in – you don't need an appointment

Last review: Nov 2024 | Next review: Nov 2027