Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
Find out more about signs and symptoms, and where you can find information and support. You can also find out how you can make a difference this Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
About lung cancer
What is lung cancer?
There are two main types of primary lung cancer. These are:
Sometimes cancer spreads to the lungs from somewhere else in the body. This is called lung metastases or secondary lung cancer.
We also have information about cancer that affects the lining that covers the lungs (the pleura). This is called pleural mesothelioma.
In this video, Clinical Oncologist Neil Bateman talks you through what lung cancer is, the signs and symptoms, and main treatments.
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer
Lung cancer may not always have symptoms early on.
The symptoms of lung cancer can include:
- a cough for 3 weeks or more
- a change in a cough you have had for a long time
- a chest infection that does not get better, or repeated chest infections
- feeling breathless and wheezy for no reason
- coughing up blood
- chest or shoulder pain that does not get better
- a hoarse voice for 3 weeks or more.
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to get them checked by your GP.
We have more information about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer.
You may find our blog post for Lung Cancer Awareness Month helpful. It is written by one of our Cancer Information Nurses. The post covers plans for a lung cancer screening programme in the UK and also the main signs, symptoms and treatments for lung cancer. Read the blog post.
Information in your language
We produce information about lung cancer in 16 different languages.
"My whole world fell apart." Lloyd's story
When Lloyd was diagnosed with lung cancer, he was shocked. When surgery was suggested as treatment, he was worried about the impact it would have on his business and finances
“I had no idea I had cancer. I went in for a routine appointment so to be diagnosed with something that huge... I was shell-shocked. I had a scan and the tumour that was on my lung showed up. My whole world fell apart. I had surgery to remove the lower lobe of my lung on the right hand side two weeks later. It was a massive decision to make in such a short space of time.”
Lloyd contacted Emma, a Macmillan Benefits Advisor. With Emma’s help, Lloyd successfully applied for a range of benefits. It meant he was able to take the time to recover fully from his surgery, surgery which had left him unable to walk more than 10 steps before he was short of breath.
“Being able to not to rush back to work allowed me to recover fully. If someone tells you ‘You have cancer’ you shouldn’t be debating whether or not you should have the operation. But because I live alone I was really worried about paying my mortgage and bills.”
“The surgery left me with a 13-inch scar on my back so catching a cold and having to cough or sneeze would have left me in excruciating pain. So I didn’t go out and at the time I wouldn’t have anyone of my friends in my home who could give me a cold. It knocked my self-confidence and I felt a bit isolated."
"Having Macmillan there supporting me, walking me through step by step was the best thing that could have happened.”
Watch Lloyd discuss his experience in his own words.
Support for people affected by lung cancer
Macmillan Support Line
Online Community
Other ways we can support you
More information resources about lung cancer
Fundraise for people living with cancer
Take on the Dog Jog for Macmillan Cancer Support! Get fit and have fun with your four-legged friend. Do whichever distance you like, whether that’s 5K or more!
Telling people about your fundraising and asking for donations can feel awkward. Check out our advice that will hopefully make that initial ask feel a bit more comfortable.
Whatever distance you're running, we have training plans to help you get ready for your event.
Related topics
How we can help