Lung cancer
What is lung cancer?1
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Prevalence of lung cancer
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, with around 48,500 people diagnosed each year (2016 – 2018).2 It is one of the least survivable cancers with around 34,800 deaths taking place in the UK every year (2017 – 2019). Together the six less survivable cancers are responsible for half of all deaths from common cancers, and make up a quarter of cancer cases.2,3 Over the last decade, the prevalence of lung cancer has remained stable, with rates in females increasing by 13%, and rates in males decreasing by 12% (2016 – 2018).2
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer
The symptoms of lung cancer may not be experienced at the earlier stages of the disease, but there are some common signs as the disease progresses.4
Lung cancer symptoms4
Treatment options for lung cancer
A patient's treatment options are largely dependent on the stage of the disease and the type of lung cancer. They may include:5
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy (NSCLC)
Immunotherapy
Radiofrequency ablation
References
1 Cancer Research UK. Types of lung cancer. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/lung-cancer/stages-types-grades/types
Last accessed: November 2023
2 Cancer Research UK. Lung cancer statistics. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/lung-cancer#heading-Zero
Last accessed: November 2023
3 Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce. Available at: https://lesssurvivablecancers.org.uk/
Last accessed: November 2023
4 NHS. Lung cancer symptoms. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms/
Last accessed: November 2023
5 Cancer Research UK. Treatment. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/lung-cancer/treatment
Last accessed: November 2023
November 2023 | ONC-GB-2200707