Lung cancer Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, May 2009.
Answers to questions about lung cancer
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- I have heard that there are new treatments available for lung cancer. How can I find out if they are suitable for me and how can I benefit from them?
- My doctor has mentioned hospice care. Can you tell me more about this?
- I'm going to have surgery to remove part of one of my lungs. How will this affect my lifestyle - will I have to stop doing sports?
I have heard that there are new treatments available for lung cancer. How can I find out if they are suitable for me and how can I benefit from them?
A lot of new treatments for lung cancer are currently being tested in clinical trials. Ask your doctor for more information.
Explanation
A lot of new treatments for lung cancer are currently being tested in clinical trials. These are done to test if the new treatment is safe, has side-effects, is better than the current treatment available or helps you feel better.
Clinical trials may involve slight changes to treatments already being used or may involve completely new treatments. Some trials compare a standard treatment against a new one. You will not be able to choose which treatment you receive - instead you will be given information about both and a computer will randomly allocate your treatment. Another type of trial is a placebo-controlled trial. These are often done if there isn't a good standard treatment available for you. Again, a computer will choose whether you receive a new experimental drug or a dummy pill (placebo). The researchers will then see if either group of patients does better or has fewer side-effects. The advantage of entering a trial is the chance you might receive a new treatment or you may be helping patients in the future. All treatments used now have at sometime been used in a clinical trial.
Ask your doctor if these treatments in clinical trials are suitable for you. Your doctor will consider the type and stage of your cancer, any treatment you have already had, your general health and other medical conditions you have.
Further information
- Cancer Research UK
www.cancerhelp.org.uk - Macmillan Cancer Support
0808 800 1234
www.macmillan.org.uk
Sources
- Understanding clinical trials. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 29 April 2008
My doctor has mentioned hospice care. Can you tell me more about this?
If you have cancer that can't be cured and you need support to your control symptoms, your doctor may recommend hospice care.
Explanation
If you have cancer that can't be cured, hospices can play an important role in offering you and your family support. Hospice care can improve your symptoms and quality of life. Many hospices also offer care if you aren't terminally ill but if you would benefit from palliative care to help with symptoms such as pain, breathing problems and weight loss. You might not need full time hospice care - you might only need to visit a hospice once a week for support or advice, or go there for a few days to get your symptoms under control.
Hospices also offer you and your family and friends a range of additional support. This includes counselling for how to cope with your cancer as well as bereavement support. You can find hospice care not only in specialist centres and palliative care units, but also in hospitals, and hospice day centres.
Further information
- Hospice Information
www.hospiceinformation.info - Macmillan Cancer Support
0808 800 1234
www.macmillan.org.uk - Marie Curie Cancer Care
020 7599 7777
www.mariecurie.org.uk
Sources
- What is hospice care? Hospice Information. www.hospiceinformation.info, accessed 29 April 2008
- Palliative care. Macmillan cancer Support. www.mariecurie.org.uk, accessed 29 April 2008
I'm going to have surgery to remove part of one of my lungs. How will this affect my lifestyle - will I have to stop doing sports?
The impact that surgery for lung cancer will have on your ability to do sport and exercise will depend on how much of your lung was removed and how healthy your lungs are.
Explanation
After surgery for your lung cancer it's important that you try to get yourself back to fitness as soon as possible. Before you leave the hospital ask your doctor or physiotherapist how much exercise you should try to aim for. At first it's important that you take it slowly and don't over exert yourself.
As you start to recover from your surgery you could try more vigorous exercise such as brisk walking or swimming. This will improve your muscle strength and fitness. You could also try other exercises including breathing techniques and relaxation techniques. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle by not smoking, eating healthily and sensible drinking.
The impact that removing part of your lung has on your lifestyle and your ability to do sports will depend on your cancer and how much of your lung was removed. It will also depend on how healthy the rest of your lungs were before the surgery. If you are or were a smoker your lungs may have some damage. Your surgeon will have tested your lungs before surgery to identify this.
Further information
- Cancer Research UK
www.cancerhelp.org.uk - Macmillan Cancer Support
0808 800 1234
www.macmillan.org.uk
Sources
- After surgery for lung cancer. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 29 April 2008
- The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, methods, evidence and guidance. National Collaborating Centre for Acute Care. 2005. www.rcseng.ac.uk, accessed 29 April 2008
- Complementary therapies. Macmillan Cancer Support. www.macmillan.org.uk, accessed 29 April 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: May 2009
