Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung cancer doesn't always cause symptoms in its early stages. Many of the signs and symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions but finding lung cancer early can mean that it's easier to treat. So if you notice any symptoms or changes get them checked out by your GP as soon as possible.  

The most common symptoms of lung cancer are:

• having a cough most of the time
• having a change in a cough you have had for a long time - it may sound different or be painful when you cough
• getting out of breath doing the things you used to do without a problem
• coughing up phlegm (sputum) with blood in it
• having an ache or pain in the chest or shoulder
• chest infections that keep coming back or a chest infection that doesn't get better
• losing your appetite
• feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
• losing weight

Getting diagnosed

• Seeing your GP
• Referral to a specialist
• Screening
• Tests for Lung Cancer
• Lung Health Check

Treatment

• Preparing for treatment and life afterwards (prehabilitation)
• Treatment for small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
• Treatment for non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Chemoradiotherapy
• Immunotherapy and targeted cancer drugs for non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
• Laser therapy
• Microwave ablation
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Diathermy (electrocautery)
• Follow up