Along with breast, bowel, and prostate cancer, lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK – with over 43,000 people diagnosed every year. Around four in 10 people diagnosed with lung cancer are aged 75 and over, and smoking is the single biggest risk factor.
However, despite its prevalence, data from Cancer Research UK tells us that approximately 79% of lung cancer cases are preventable. Even if you’ve smoked for years, it’s not too late to make a change.
With that said, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about lung cancer – including warning signs, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is a type of cancer caused by the growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. Cancer that begins in the lungs – for example, in the windpipe (trachea), the main airway (bronchus), or the lung tissue – is called primary lung cancer.
There are two main types of primary lung cancer. These are classified by the type of cells that the cancer starts growing in…
- Non-small-cell lung cancer – this is the most common form of primary lung cancer, accounting for 80-85 of every 100 cases. Non-small-cell lung cancer can be one of three types: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or large-cell carcinoma.
- Small-cell lung cancer – this form of primary lung cancer is less common but typically spreads faster than non-small-cell lung cancer.
Primary lung cancer is different to secondary lung cancer, which occurs when cancer spreads to the lungs from another area of the body. Secondary cancers are also called metastatic cancer. While any cancer can spread to the lungs, some of the most common that do so are breast, bowel, kidney, and testicular.
For the purposes of this article, we’ll be focusing on primary lung cancer. You can read more about secondary lung cancer on Cancer Research UK.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Lung cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms in its early stages.
However, symptoms of lung cancer can include…
- A new, persistent cough that lasts over three weeks
- Reoccuring chest infections
- Coughing up blood
- Feeling breathless
- Aches or pains when breathing or coughing
- Persistent fatigue and lack of energy
- Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
Less common symptoms of lung cancer include…
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing
- Wheezing
- Changes in the appearance of your fingers – they may become more curved or their ends may become larger
- Face or neck swelling
- A hoarse voice
- Continuous chest or shoulder pain
It should be noted that many symptoms of lung cancer can also be caused by other medical conditions. So, it’s important to speak to your GP if you notice anything out of the ordinary for you.
What are some risk factors for lung cancer?
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing lung cancer. However, having a risk factor doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get lung cancer.
We’ll cover some of these below…
Smoking
According to Macmillan Cancer Support, 72% of lung cancer cases in the UK are caused by smoking and 90% of people who develop lung cancer are smokers or ex-smokers. It’s the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer and, ultimately, the more you smoke, the higher your risk.
Tobacco smoke contains over 60 different toxic substances, such as nicotine, which are confirmed to be carcinogenic (cancer-producing). As a result, data shows that smoking 25 cigarettes a day makes you 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer than someone who doesn’t smoke.
While smoking cigarettes poses the largest risk, other tobacco products such as cigars, pipe tobacco, and chewing tobacco, also increase your risk of developing lung cancer – as well as other types of cancer, including mouth and oesophageal cancer.
According to the NHS, smoking cannabis may also increase the risk of lung cancer because most people mix it with tobacco. While cannabis users tend to smoke less tobacco than those who smoke regular cigarettes, they typically inhale more deeply and hold smoke in their lungs for longer.
Passive smoking is also a risk factor for lung cancer, though this is significantly lower than if you smoke yourself.
While the majority of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking, people who have never smoked can also develop the condition. For example, ALK-positive lung cancer is a rare form of lung cancer where the vast majority of patients are non-smokers and half are under 50 years of age when diagnosed.
Age
Lung cancer is more common in older adults – around 44% of those diagnosed are aged 75 and over. The disease can affect younger people too, but it’s rare under the age of 40.
Genetics
Your risk for lung cancer is higher if you have a close relative (such as a sibling or parent) who has had lung cancer. This is particularly true if they were diagnosed at a younger age.
Experts aren’t currently sure why this is but some suggest that it could be down to lung cancer genes or shared risk factors, such as smoking.
Occupational exposure and pollution
Sometimes, exposure to certain chemicals and substances can increase lung cancer risk. This includes silica, arsenic, radiation, and asbestos.
The most prevalent of these is asbestos – a type of material that was previously used in the building industry. Being in close or prolonged contact with asbestos puts people at higher risk of lung cancer.
In particular, asbestos increases the risk of mesothelioma, which is cancer of the pleura – a thin membrane that covers the lungs.
This cancer risk caused by asbestos is higher if you smoke too.
Previous cancer treatment
People who have previously had radiotherapy to the chest to treat conditions like lymphoma and testicular cancer that has spread have a slightly higher risk of lung cancer.
Note: The benefits of these cancer treatments are far greater than the risk of developing lung cancer – particularly if the aim is cure.
Air pollution
There’s some evidence that air pollution may increase the risk of lung cancer. However, for the majority of people, the risk is small.
Exposure to radon gas
In some areas of the UK, a natural gas called radon can pass from soil into the foundations of buildings. This can increase the risk of lung cancer, particularly in people who smoke.
However, exposure to high levels of radon isn’t common.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
If you’re experiencing any potential symptoms of lung cancer, such as a persistent cough or breathlessness, it’s important to speak to your GP.
They’ll ask about your general health and any symptoms you’re experiencing, and may also ask you to breathe into a device called a spirometer, which measures the amount of air you breathe in and out.
If they suspect your symptoms may be a sign of lung cancer, you may be referred to a specialist for further tests. Tests can include chest X-rays, CT or MRI scans, or a bronchoscopy.
For more information on how lung cancer is diagnosed, head over to the NHS website.
How is lung cancer treated?
The correct treatment for lung cancer will depend on a combination of factors, including…
- The type of lung cancer you have
- How advanced the cancer is
- The size and position of the cancer
- Your overall health
Lung cancer treatment is provided by a team of specialists from different departments who work together to provide patients with the best possible treatment. This includes the health professionals needed to make a diagnosis and those who plan treatment.
The most common treatment methods for lung cancer include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Depending on the type of lung cancer you have and at what stage it’s diagnosed, you may receive a combination of these treatments.
You can find more information on treatment plans for different types of lung cancer on the NHS website.
How can I reduce my risk of lung cancer?
If you’re a smoker, the single best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer (and other health conditions) is to quit as soon as possible.
Even if you’ve smoked for years, it’s always worth quitting. Research from Macmillan Cancer Support shows that after 12 years of not smoking, a person’s lung cancer risk is about 70% lower than it is for people who still smoke; and after about 15 years, it’s almost the same as someone who has never smoked. If you’d like support, the NHS offers stop smoking services.
Other ways you can reduce lung cancer risk include eating a healthy, balanced diet and staying active, which you can find out more about in our article; 9 ways to boost lung health.
Because lung cancer often doesn’t present symptoms in its early stage, the UK National Screening Committee recommends that anyone with a high risk of lung cancer be invited to screening. This is known as targeted lung cancer screening and is now available on the NHS in certain parts of England for people aged 55-74 who smoke or used to smoke.
The check aims to diagnose lung cancer at an earlier stage when treatment is more likely to be successful. As a result, it’s essential to attend if you’re invited.
It’s hoped that the NHS lung health check will be available everywhere by 2029. You can find out more on the NHS website.
Help and support for those affected by lung cancer
If you or a loved one has been affected by lung cancer, there are several national cancer charities which offer support, information, and guidance.
These include…
- Macmillan Cancer Support – information and support services for anyone affected by cancer, including an online community and opportunities to ask questions to experts.
- Cancer Research UK – provides support for people with all types of cancer, including lung cancer.
- ALK Positive Lung Cancer (UK) – support for people affected by ALK-positive lung cancer.
- Asthma + Lung UK – offers emotional and practical support for anyone affected by lung cancer.
- Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation – provides one-to-one support, group, and online support, as well as information and booklets on lung cancer.
- Mesothelioma UK – supporting people with cancer caused by asbestos.
- Marie Curie – care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.
Final thoughts…
Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, responsible for over 43,000 UK cancer cases each year. Because lung cancer symptoms aren’t always obvious in the early stages, it’s important to speak to your GP if you notice anything out of the ordinary for you.
For further reading, head over to the general health section of our website. Here, you’ll find articles like 11 important health checks for over 50s, which has information on cancer screening programmes.