Despite falling smoking rates, lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent types of cancer in the UK. It is also one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with just 10% of people surviving with the condition for 10 or more years, according to research from Cancer Research UK.
One of the biggest challenges is that screening tests for lung cancer are only just being introduced and are limited. As a result, knowing more about the symptoms to look out for so you can get treatment as soon as possible is key.
This November, to mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month, at Trinity Homecare, we want to raise awareness of the condition. So, we are sharing some of the common signs and symptoms of lung cancer, as well as possible treatment options and tips on supporting those with the condition.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is a cancer that affects your lungs.
There are two main types of primary lung cancer:
Non-small cell lung cancer
This is the most common type of lung cancer, and there are three main types:
- Adenocarcinoma – this is the most common type of non-small cell lung cancer and develops from cells that make mucus. It is usually found in the outer area of the lung. Although smoking can still be a factor, this type of lung cancer tends to be common in non-smokers.
- Squamous cell carcinoma – this type of cancer develops in the cells that line the airways and is most commonly found in the main airways in the centre of the lungs.
- Large cell lung cancer – is uncommon but usually starts in the centre of the lungs.
Small cell lung cancer
Small cell lung cancer is not as common as non-small cell lung cancer, although it makes up around 1 in 7 lung cancer cases. It is typically fast-growing and, although it can affect anyone, is more common in those with a long history of smoking tobacco.
It is also possible for cancer to spread to your lungs from elsewhere in your body. This is called lung metastases or secondary lung cancer.
Common signs and symptoms of lung cancer
As there are currently no effective screening methods for lung cancer, knowing the signs and symptoms to look for can help you spot any concerns earlier.
Some of the most common symptoms of lung cancer include:
- Having a cough for three weeks or more
- A change in a cough you’ve had for a long time
- A chest infection that doesn’t get better
- Repeated chest infections in a short space of time
- Feeling breathless or wheezy for no reason
- Coughing up blood
- Losing weight for no obvious reason
- Unexplained feelings of fatigue
- Chest or shoulder pain that doesn’t improve
- A hoarse voice for three or more weeks
Although these symptoms can be signs of lung cancer, they can also indicate other conditions like a chest infection or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, so it’s important you get them checked out by your doctor.
It’s also important to be aware that in the very early stages of lung cancer, many people won’t have any noticeable symptoms, and it’s only as the disease progresses and affects lung function that symptoms become apparent.
Screening tests for lung cancer
Until recently, there was no screening programme available for lung cancer. However, a new targeted lung cancer screening programme is being rolled out in the UK.
When it is fully up and running, everyone aged between 55 and 74 who either smokes or previously smoked will be invited for an assessment. If your results indicate you are at high risk of lung cancer, you will be offered a CT scan of your lungs for further investigation.
As the programme is so new, it is not known how often people will be invited for screening or what the test will involve, but the promise of screening is welcomed. If you already live in an area of England or Wales where Lung Health Checks are provided, you should continue to attend these appointments as normal.
Treatment options for lung cancer
The type of treatment offered to you will vary depending on the type of lung cancer you have and what stage it is at. Generally, a team of specialists will meet up to discuss the best possible treatment for you, this is known as a multidisciplinary meeting (MDT).
Common treatment options for lung cancer include:
- Surgery – in some people with non-small cell lung cancer, it is possible to remove the cancer with surgery, although this depends on the size and position of the cancer.
- Chemotherapy – chemotherapy can be given alongside surgical options to help ensure all the cancer is eradicated. It can also be used to control symptoms and slow down the spread of cancer.
- Radiotherapy – can be used instead of surgery to treat early stages of non-small cell lung cancer and to help control symptoms. It can also be given with or after chemotherapy, this is known as chemoradiation.
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy drugs – these drugs attack the cancerous cells and can be used to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
- Tubular ablation treatments – this kind of therapy uses heat or lasers to treat the very early stages of lung cancer or to target cancer that is blocking an airway.
- Palliative care – for some people, the main treatment option is relieving the symptoms caused by the cancer so they can continue to live well for as long as possible. At Trinity Homecare, we pride ourselves on delivering compassionate and dignified palliative care in the comfort of your own home.
Support living with lung cancer
Receiving any kind of cancer diagnosis can be a scary and worrying time, but with the right support, it is possible to continue to live well. With lung cancer, it is likely that during your treatment or as the cancer progresses, you will need a combination of medical, practical and emotional care to help you manage the condition.
Medical care
During lung cancer treatment or palliative care, you may need support with:
- Taking prescribed medications
- Managing any side effects
- Medical interventions – like a catheter
- Attending appointments
- Communicating with different healthcare professionals
Practical care
As well as medical support, people living with lung cancer will often also require practical support day-to-day. This can include:
- Help with washing and dressing
- Shopping for groceries
- Cooking meals
- Tidying up
- Doing the laundry
- Picking up prescriptions
Emotional care
Finally, any cancer diagnosis can be an emotional rollercoaster with ups and downs along the way. Dealing with all this emotional upheaval alone can be difficult, so having emotional support is just as important as having practical and medical support.
Just having someone to listen to your worries without judgement or fear can be a huge release and enable you to feel calmer about your diagnosis.
Finding the right support
Family members, loved ones and friends may all want to rally around and provide support if you have recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. Depending on what stage your lung cancer is at, and the treatment options available to you, this support may be enough and you may accept their help gladly.
However, many people in more advanced stages of the disease or whose only treatment option is palliative care may find that seeking the professional help of specialist lung cancer carers is a better option. Engaging professional support frees up your loved ones to be able to spend quality time with you and ensures that you get dignified and compassionate care no matter what your needs.
Palliative care from Trinity Homecare
Care for lung cancer patients at home can provide much-needed support for individuals and their families following a terminal lung cancer diagnosis or during extensive treatment.
Our palliative carers are fully trained to help individuals living with lung cancer manage their symptoms and medications, help with day-to-day chores and provide much-needed emotional support. What’s more, support is fully bespoke and tailored to your wishes and needs. So, whether you need round-the-clock support or just a friendly face popping in to check on you a few times a day, we will ensure your needs are met.
Trusted care at home
Trinity Homecare is a fully managed care agency with an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating, placing Trinity amongst the top 4% of all nationwide care companies in England. With this in mind, you can rest assured that your loved one will receive the highest standard of care and specialist support.
If you have any questions about arranging care, simply get in touch with our helpful and knowledgeable care team.
Arranging nationwide home care with Trinity is straightforward.
Simply follow these five steps:
1. Call our care team
2. Undergo a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your care needs and arrange a care assessment
3. After the assessment, a plan of care is created
4. A well-suited carer is found and placed
5. Care can be adapted at any time
