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, Dr Ranj is joined by Dr David Gilligan to take an in-depth look at lung cancer, exploring its symptoms, testing, stages and treatment options. 

 

 

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
  • losing weight for no obvious reason
  • feeling tired
  • 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.

 

Lung cancer screening

 

In England, the NHS is beginning lung cancer screening health checks to diagnose people at risk of lung cancer at an early stage. This is for people over 55 years who smoke or used to smoke.  There are plans to start similar programmes in Scotland and Wales. You can find out more about the screening programme on the NHS website.


Information in your language

 

We produce information about lung cancer in 16 different languages.

More information about lung cancer

Support for people affected by lung cancer

A man and woman stand talking. He has short hair and a beard and is wearing a green jumper and chinos. The woman has short hair and is wearing a green shirt and black trousers. They are leaning against a window sill with windows that are open on a sunny day.

Macmillan Support Line

The Macmillan Support Line is there to help you, whatever you need to ask. 

You can call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.

Or, you can:

Deaf or hard of hearing

Are you deaf or hard of hearing? To make a text relay call, dial 18001 followed by 0808 808 00 00, or download the Relay UK app (Google Play for Android or App Store for iphone).

Translation service

If you prefer to speak to us in another language, interpreters are available. Just state, in English, the language you want to use when you call.

A woman sits at her laptop. She is wearing a black jumper and has short brown hair. She smiles at the screen and her hands are typing on the keyboard.

Online Community

Our lung cancer forums are there 24/7 for anybody affected by lung cancer.

Whether you or someone you know has been diagnosed with lung cancer, these are places where you can anonymously share your feelings and experiences and find support from others who understand what you're going through.

There is a blog post for Lung Cancer Awareness Month on the Online Community that you may find helpful. It shares some of the best and most powerful posts and discussions on the lung cancer forum. Read the blog post.

Two women hugging. They are outside on a pavement. They wear coats. One woman faces away from the camera and one woman faces the camera, she is smiling.

Other ways we can support you

Money and cost of living advice

Cancer can have a big impact on your finances, and we're here to help. 

Read our information about benefits and financial advice and coping with the rising cost of living. 

You can also talk to our financial guides for help with your personal situation. 

Or speak to welfare rights advisors for advice about benefits.

Macmillan Grants

Macmillan Grants are small, one-off means-tested payments to help with the extra costs that living with cancer can bring.

Macmillan Buddies

Living with cancer can be a lonely experience, that's why it helps to talk. Through Macmillan Buddies you can have a weekly talk or visit from a Macmillan Buddy.

Sign up for trusted information by email

Tell us a few details about yourself and we will send you a series of emails containing relevant information and services. Find out more and sign up.

More information resources about lung cancer

Booklets
 01 Nov 2020
Understanding lung cancer
This booklet is about cancer that starts in the lung. This is called primary lung cancer. It explains what lung cancer is, and how it is diagnosed and treated.
The cover of the lung cancer easy read. It includes an illustration of two people. One person is a doctor. They have on a pink tie, white shirt and a stethoscope around their neck. The doctor is talking to a person wearing a blue shirt. There is a speech bubble pointed at the doctor with an illustration of lungs in it.
Booklets
 10 Sep 2021
Lung cancer - easy read
An easy read booklet on the signs, symptoms, treatments and tests for lung cancer. Our easy read booklets use simple language and pictures to tell you about cancer.
MAC11632 Understanding lung cancer E17 audiobook cover
Audiobooks
 01 Nov 2020
Understanding lung cancer
This audiobook explains what lung cancer is, and how it is diagnosed and treated. It also talks about your feelings when you are diagnosed with cancer and has practical advice about dealing with work and finances.

Fundraise for people living with cancer

Would you like to raise money to help people affected by cancer? Here are some ideas to get you started.
A small brown dog standing on the grass wearing a Macmillan scarf.
Fundraise with your dog

Sign up to Walk 100km with your dog in November! Whether that’s 3km every day or 6km every other, get those tails wagging and make a difference for people living with cancer.

A woman with green hair collecting money for Macmillan on the street
Tips for asking for donations

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.

A woman crouching down tying the laces on her bright orange trainers
Running training plans

Whatever distance you're running, we have training plans to help you get ready for your event.

More ways to fundraise

How we can help

Macmillan Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line is a free and confidential phone service for people living and affected by cancer. If you need to talk, we'll listen. 

 

Call us on 0808 808 00 00
8am to 8pm. It's free to call from landlines and mobiles within the UK.
Email us
Get in touch via this form
Chat online
Every day 8am - 8pm.
Online Community
An anonymous network of people affected by lung cancer which is free to join. Share experiences, ask questions and talk to people who understand.
Translations and other formats
We provide information in different languages and other formats, including audiobooks, Braille, BSL, easy read booklets. You can also request information in any language or format.
Get help