Lung cancer

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer starts in the tissue of the lungs, usually in the cells that line the airways. There are two main types: small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is the more common one. The two types grow in different ways and are treated differently. Smoking is by far the biggest risk factor. Other risks include second-hand smoke, radon gas, air pollution and some substances at work, such as asbestos.

What are the signs?

Early lung cancer often causes no symptoms. It is sometimes found on a chest X-ray taken for another reason. Later signs can include:

• a cough that does not go away or gets worse;
• chest pain, breathlessness or wheezing;
• coughing up blood, or a hoarse voice;
• tiredness, loss of appetite or weight loss without a clear reason.

These signs can have other causes too, so it is worth having them checked by a doctor.

How is it treated today?

Treatment depends on the type of lung cancer, how far it has spread and the person's general health. Options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted drugs and immunotherapy, often in combination. In non-small cell lung cancer, tests on the tumour (biomarker tests) can show whether a targeted drug may help. Clinical trials are an option at every stage.

Is there a cure?

For most people, today's treatments do not cure lung cancer. Some very early cancers, found before a tumour can even be seen on scans, can sometimes be cured with surgery. How well treatment works depends on the stage, the type of cancer, certain gene changes in the tumour and the person's general health.