Your guide to lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer starts when abnormal or malignant cells develop and multiply in one or both lungs, forming lung tumours within the lung tissue. These cancerous cells can create a primary tumour that interferes with the lungs’ essential function, supplying oxygen to the body. Most lung cancers fall into two main groups: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Small cell carcinoma tends to spread quickly and often requires different treatment approaches. Understanding which type you have is critical for your lung cancer staging and treatment pathway.

The most common symptoms of lung cancer include:

• A persistent cough that doesn’t go away
• Changes in your voice (such as hoarseness)
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest pain, shoulder pain, or discomfort in the chest cavity
• Ongoing fatigue or loss of energy
• Coughing up blood (haemoptysis)
• Bone pain (if the cancer spreads to the bones)
• Other symptoms like swelling in the neck and face, or new neurological symptoms from brain metastases

There are numerous risk factors involved in the development of lung cancer, including:

• Smoking tobacco or exposure to cigarette smoke
• Second-hand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, and air pollution
• Genetic predisposition and family history
• Diet and lifestyle

Understanding your risk helps with decisions about lung cancer screening and prevention.

Lung cancer treatment is highly individualised based on your cancer type, stage, overall health, and preferences. Key lung cancer treatments include:

• Surgery: Removing the tumour and surrounding lung tissue, especially for early-stage lung cancer or when the cancer is still confined to the same lobe.
• Radiation therapy: Using high-energy beams, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy, to kill cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
• Chemotherapy: Targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells and malignant cells that may have spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.
• Targeted therapy: Specifically attacking cancer cells with unique changes, such as EGFR or ALK mutations, commonly managed through participation in clinical trials.
• Immunotherapy: Harnessing the body’s immune system to fight tumour cells, which can be particularly effective for some advanced lung cancers.
• Supportive/Palliative care: Aimed at managing symptoms, relieving pain, and supporting quality of life, especially in metastatic or advanced lung cancer.

• Imaging tests: Chest X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and occasionally an MRI to detect lung tumours and assess for brain metastases.
• Tissue biopsies: Collecting a sample from the primary tumour or other suspicious sites using bronchoscopy, needle aspiration, or surgery for examination of cancerous cells.
• Other investigations: Blood tests, breathing tests, and molecular testing of tumour cells to guide targeted therapies and check for cancer spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.

Private lung cancer treatment in the UK covers a range of services and may provide faster access to consultations, advanced diagnostics, and novel treatments. Costs for lung cancer treatment vary according to your specific diagnosis, the type of cancer, stage, location, and whether you elect for treatment at home or in a private hospital. Typical expenses include:

• Initial consultations, imaging tests, and advanced molecular diagnostics
• Surgery, hospital stays, or outpatient procedures (like radiotherapy and chemotherapy)
• Medications, targeted therapies, and follow-up care
• Additional support services such as symptom management, rehabilitation, and 24/7 clinical support

Insurance coverage may help with expenses. For those self-funding, providers will offer clear cost structures.