Your pathway through lung cancer care

The Lung Cancer Care Pathway is designed to help people diagnosed with lung cancer understand what to expect at every stage of their care. It provides a clear guide from diagnosis through treatment, follow-up, and ongoing support, helping patients and their families feel informed, supported, and involved in decisions about their care.

It usually begins with a referral from a general practitioner (GP) to a lung cancer specialist. Ideally, patients should see a specialist within two weeks of referral. During this appointment, the specialist reviews symptoms, scans, and medical history, answers questions, and explains the next steps.

To confirm a diagnosis and develop the most appropriate treatment plan, patients may undergo several tests, including CT scans, PET-CT scans, biopsies, bronchoscopy procedures, and molecular testing. These tests help determine the type and stage of lung cancer and identify any genetic changes that may influence treatment options.

Once test results are available, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) reviews the patient’s case. This team may include lung cancer specialists, respiratory specialists, surgeons, oncologists, nurses, and allied health professionals. Working together, they recommend a personalised treatment plan that reflects the patient’s needs, goals, and preferences.

Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, clinical trials, or palliative care. Treatment should ideally begin within six weeks of specialist referral. Alongside treatment, patients may also be offered support services such as smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, mental health support, fertility counselling, symptom management, and financial assistance.

After treatment, patients receive a treatment summary and follow-up care plan outlining ongoing appointments, scans, and support services. The pathway emphasises the importance of survivorship care, healthy lifestyle choices, rehabilitation, and recognising signs that may require monitoring. Lung Foundation Australia also offers access to specialist nurses, peer support groups, and educational resources to help people live as well as possible with lung cancer.