Lung cancer

Lung cancer starts in the windpipe (trachea), the main airway (bronchus) or the lung tissue. Cancer that starts in the lung is called primary lung cancer.

Lung cancer doesn't always cause symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms can include a cough that won't go away, coughing up blood and breathlessness.

You usually start by seeing your GP, and they might refer you to a specialist and organise tests. Or you might be referred to a specialist and further tests if screening for lung cancer or a lung health check showed that you might have lung cancer.

Survival depends on many factors including the stage and type of your lung cancer.

Your treatment depends on several factors. These include what type of lung cancer you have, how big it is and whether it has spread (the stage). It also depends on your general health.

The stage of a cancer tells you how big it is and whether it has spread. The type tells which type of cell the cancer started from.

Metastatic lung cancer means that the cancer has spread from where it started in the lung to other parts of the body. It is also called advanced lung cancer.

Current research is looking at ways to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

There is support available during and after treatment to help you cope. This includes support from your clinical nurse specialist, cancer charities, community services, and family and friends.

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing lung cancer, such as smoking or exposure to certain chemicals.