Planning treatment for non-small cell lung cancer

Multidisciplinary team

In most hospitals a team of specialists will talk to you about the treatment they feel is best for your situation. This multidisciplinary team (MDT) will include:

• a surgeon who speciliases in lung cancers
• a medical oncologist (chemotherapy specialist)
• a clinical oncologist (radiotherapy specialist)
• a nurse specialist 
• radiologists who help to analyse x-rays and scans
• pathologists who advise on the type and extent of the cancer.

It may also include other healthcare professionals, such as a palliative care doctor or nurse who specialises in symptom control, dietitian, physiotherapist, occupational therapist (OT), psychologist or counsellor.

Together they will be able to advise you on the best course of action and plan your treatment.

Benefits and disadvantages of treatment

Many people are frightened at the idea of having cancer treatments, particularly because of the side effects that can occur. However, these can usually be controlled with medicines.

Treatment can be given for different reasons, and the potential benefits will vary depending on your individual situation. In people with early-stage lung cancer, surgery can occasionally be done with the aim of curing the cancer. Occasionally, additional treatments are also given to reduce the risk of it coming back.

If the cancer is at a more advanced stage the treatment may only be able to control it, improving symptoms and quality of life. However, for some people in this situation the treatment will have no effect upon the cancer, and they will get the side effects without any of the benefit.

Making treatment decisions

If you’ve been offered treatment that aims to cure your cancer, deciding whether to accept it may not be difficult. However, if a cure is not possible and the purpose of treatment is to control the cancer for a period of time, it may be more difficult to decide whether to go ahead.

Making decisions about treatment in these circumstances is always difficult, and you may need to discuss in detail with your doctor whether you wish to have treatment. If you choose not to have it, you can still be given supportive (palliative) care, with medicines to control any symptoms.

If two treatments are equally effective for your type and stage of cancer, your doctors may offer you a choice of treatments. Sometimes people find it hard to make a decision. If you are asked to make a choice, make sure that you have enough information about the different options, what is involved and the possible side effects, so that you can decide on the right treatment for you.

Asking questions

Remember to ask questions about anything that you don't understand or feel worried about. It may help to discuss the benefits and disadvantages of each option with your cancer specialist, nurse specialist or with our cancer support specialists.

If you have any questions about your own treatment, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or nurse. It often helps to make a list of questions and to take a close friend or relative with you.