Lung Cancer
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Key Points
- One of the most common and serious cancers
- Often no signs or symptoms in early stages
- Smoking is the most common cause (over 70% of cases)
- Two main types: non-small-cell and small-cell lung cancer
- Treatment depends on cancer type, spread, and general health
Overview
Lung cancer is a very common and serious type of cancer, with over 43,000 diagnoses each year in the UK. In its early stages, there are usually no noticeable signs or symptoms, making early detection challenging. There are two main forms of primary lung cancer, classified by the cells where they start. Non-small-cell lung cancer is the most common, accounting for 80-85% of cases, and includes types like squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or large-cell carcinoma. Small-cell lung cancer is less common but typically spreads faster. The specific type of lung cancer guides the recommended treatment plan. This condition mainly affects older individuals, being rare in those under 40, with over 40% of diagnoses in the UK occurring in people aged 75 and older. While non-smokers can develop lung cancer, smoking is the leading cause, responsible for over 70% of cases, due to the regular inhalation of toxic substances.
Signs and Symptoms
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Persistent breathlessness
- Unexplained tiredness and weight loss
- Ache or pain when breathing or coughing
Things That Increase the Risk
- Smoking tobacco
- Regularly inhaling toxic substances (from smoking)
- Being over 40 years old
- Being 75 years or older (higher risk group)
Diagnosis
- GP evaluation for symptoms
- Classification of cell type (non-small-cell or small-cell)
- Assessment of cancer spread (staging)
Treatment & Management
- Surgery to remove affected lung area (for early, localized cancer)
- Radiotherapy to destroy cancer cells (if surgery is unsuitable)
- Chemotherapy (if cancer has spread widely)
- Targeted therapies (slows spread, not a cure)
Prevention
- Avoid smoking tobacco
- Minimize exposure to inhaled toxic substances
- Seek medical advice for persistent symptoms
- Regular health check-ups for early detection
Available Treatments
Explore our range of treatment options for Lung Cancer:
Surgical Options
Learn about surgical procedures available for Lung Cancer:
Contents
Quick Info
Affects
Lungs, mainly older people
Prevalence
Very common, over 43,000 UK diagnoses/year
Diagnosis
GP assessment, cell type identification
Treatment
Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Vijay Bhat
Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Reviewed on July 3, 2026
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