Clearing the air about lung cancer

Lung cancer is the UK's biggest cancer killer with nearly 35,000 people dying from the disease each year. It accounts for 21% of all UK cancer deaths, with around 49,000 new cases every year. However, there is hope. Advances in treatments are making a significant difference in patient outcomes. Early diagnosis is crucial, and we are committed to helping you access the latest scans and treatments quickly. Our aim is to empower people with the knowledge they need to seek timely medical advice and treatment, potentially saving lives and improving outcomes.

Certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing lung cancer, these include:

• Age – 45% are diagnosed over 75
• Smoking – including second-hand/passive smoke
• Exposure to chemicals – including radon, asbestos and air pollution 
• A family history of lung cancer
• Certain medical conditions affecting the lungs (such as COPD)

The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking with around 85% of people with lung cancer being smokers or ex-smokers.

A recent study showed 51% of people believe there’s a stigma associated with being diagnosed with lung cancer, where it’s felt you must be or have been a smoker. However, anyone can get lung cancer so it's important that everyone knows what to look for and, should they need it, what treatment options are available.

In the early stages, there are often no noticeable symptoms but as a tumour grows, symptoms can start to develop. With mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure, symptoms can take over 20 years to appear after initial exposure.

Symptoms of lung cancer can include:

New research shows 62% of us associate a cough lasting more than 3 weeks with lung cancer, but as many as 45% would ignore it and not seek medical advice. Whilst feeling tired or having a persistent cough can often be associated with other less serious conditions, it’s best to see a doctor, regardless of the cause, as you may still need treatment to help relieve the symptoms. 

The most common treatment options for lung cancer now include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy (including SABR)
• Immunotherapy

Find out more about each treatment.

Patients may receive a combination of these treatments, depending on several factors including:

• The type of lung cancer diagnosed
• The size and position of the cancer
• How advanced the cancer is (the stage)
• The patient’s overall health

Advances in technology and treatments are changing how people experience lung cancer care for the better.

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), an advanced radiotherapy technique, is often used instead of surgery in patients diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer, advanced disease and mesothelioma.  With very focused, high-energy radiation beams, treatment can be completed in just 1–5 sessions, reducing time spent having treatment.

In addition, with MRI-guided radiotherapy achievable on the MRIdian MR Linac, exclusively available to patients across the UK at our GenesisCare centres in Oxford and London, clinicians can see as they treat, leading to fewer side effects and improved outcomes. 

SABR is a very effective evidence-based treatment for patients with lung cancer. It also plays an important role in combination with drug treatments for those with advanced lung cancer

Professor Crispin Hiley, Clinical Director for lung cancer.

We treat thousands of cancer patients each year at our 14 specialist outpatient centres across the UK, equipped with cutting edge technology to diagnose and treat lung cancer.

Our patients have fast access to the latest scans, and treatments without delay, when and where they need it. This includes additional support with access to exercise medicine and wellbeing therapies, proven to ease symptoms and aid recovery. These are provided at no extra cost to you or your insurer.