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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.

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Lung cancer

This information tells you about primary lung cancer (cancer that starts in the lungs), its causes and symptoms and what is likely to happen if you are diagnosed with this type of cancer.

Quick facts

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK, with more than 38,000 people diagnosed each year.
Smoking is the cause of most cases.
There are two main types of primary lung cancer, small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. About 1 in 5 lung cancers are small cell; the rest are non-small cell.
The two main types are treated quite differently. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are usually used for small cell lung cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy can all be used for non-small cell lung cancer.

This video provides a general overview of lung cancer and its treatment.
The information in this video was correct as of 1 December 2010.

We have information on other cancer types that affect the lungs:

Mesothelioma is a less common type of cancer that can affect the covering of the lungs. It often occurs in people who have been exposed to asbestos.
Secondary cancer in the lung describes the situation where cancer cells have spread to the lungs from a cancer that began elsewhere in the body.
There are other rarer types of cancer which can occur in the lungs. These include:
- carcinosarcoma
- pulmonary blastoma
- malignant melanoma
- malignant lymphoma
- others.

Treating non-small cell lung cancer

Treating small cell lung cancer

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Lung cancer resources

Understanding lung cancer >|

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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.