What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is a complex disease with many confusing medical terms. It is a type of cancer that starts in your lungs. It’s not a cancer that has spread to your lungs from somewhere else. (That’s called a lung metastasis.)
It happens when some of your lung cells develop changes in their DNA (mutations). These mutations make the cells divide too quickly, leading to even more changed lung cells (cancer cells). These cells can form an abnormal lump of tissue called a tumour.
Tumours can be:
- Malignant: These can spread to other parts of your body
- Benign: These are not cancerous and usually don’t spread.
As lung cancer grows, it can affect your breathing, cause pain, and lead to other problems. If it’s not treated, the cancer cells can spread throughout your body.
Types of lung cancer
There are two main types of lung cancer:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. Through a microscope, these cells look bigger.
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is less common and tends to be more aggressive, which is why it grows and spreads faster than NSCLC. Through a microscope, these cells look small and round.
Another rarer type of lung cancer is called mesothelioma, which can develop after exposure to asbestos.
Each type of lung cancer behaves differently and needs different treatments. It’s important to learn as much as possible about the type of lung cancer you or your loved one has. A doctor can request imaging scans or a biopsy, a sample of tissue or fluid from your lungs, to find out more.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
NSCLC makes up around 60% of all lung cancers1. Some common types include:
- Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of NSCLC and usually grows slowly in cells that make mucus in the outer area of your lungs. It’s also the most common type of lung cancer in people who don’t smoke.
- Squamous cell carcinoma often starts in the cells that line the inside of your airways that connect your lungs to your windpipe.
- Large cell undifferentiated carcinoma starts in any part of the lung and tends to grow and spread quicker than the other types of NSCLC above.
There are other less common types of NSCLC too. Sometimes the cancer can be a mix and have more than one type of cell.
Recent medical advances can now target specific genes or molecules to treat different types of NSCLC more effectively. Talk to your doctor about genetic or molecular testing to see if these treatments might be an option for you.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
SCLC accounts for 11-13% of new diagnoses. It usually starts as a small nodule in the outer area of the lungs.
SCLC is an aggressive cancer that grows and spreads quickly to other parts of the body. Often, it has already spread to other organs when it’s first diagnosed. Surgery is usually not an option for SCLC. Treatment typically involves chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, the thin lining that covers your internal organs. It’s caused by breathing in asbestos fibres.
Most mesotheliomas (90%) affect the lining around the lungs (pleural mesothelioma). Sometimes, it can develop in the abdomen (abdominal mesothelioma). Very rarely, it can occur in other parts of the body.
Speak with your doctor
When you talk to your doctor about lung cancer, it’s okay to ask questions if you don’t understand something. Lung cancer is complicated, and it can be hard to understand all at once. Your doctor can explain things in an easier way and give you some helpful information to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find out answers to frequently asked questions and learn about the experiences of people in our community.
What is the life expectancy of lung cancer?
When you’re first diagnosed, you’ll be looking at the lung cancer survival rate statistics and there’s no denying they’re scary with only 17% of those diagnosed with lung cancer living beyond five years. But those living with lung cancer are living better, longer lives with improved treatment and a better understanding of what their options are.
It’s true that life expectancy statistics don’t paint a great picture, and it’s normal to feel anxious about the future. But advances in science and research mean we’re seeing new and emerging treatments, and those living with lung cancer are able to participate in an increasing number of clinical trials.
When Trudy was diagnosed with lung cancer, she was told she only had 18 months to live, but she has well and truly exceeded this timeframe. Her best advice? You need people to help you with your journey. Trudy reached out to a psychologist who gave her the tools to manage on a daily basis. She also consulted with dietitians and nutritionists and put a strong focus on exercise to keep building up her lung capacity.
How long do you live with stage 3 lung cancer?
It can feel daunting receiving a diagnosis, especially with just 58% of people diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer surviving more than 12 months.
However, different people have different life expectancies. Harry was diagnosed in March 2020 with stage 3 lung cancer and in May 2020 was told he won’t have shortness of life. He continued immunotherapy for the next 12 months and is hoping to build his immune system back up.
How long do you live with stage 4 lung cancer?
When you’re first diagnosed, you’ll naturally be looking at the lung cancer survival rate statistics which are undeniably daunting and bleak. Just 19% of those diagnosed at stage 4 survive more than 12 months.
Annika reflects on the time she saw these statistics and how she’s learned that it’s about how you interpret statistics rather than the numbers themself. The numbers may be low, but they may also represent what was available at the time in terms of treatment. Because there are so many new advances in research and therapies that are improving the outcomes of stage four lung cancer, Annika knows that those statistics are changing.
Annika has lived with stage 4 lung cancer for more than 5 years and has seen so many stories and patient experiences that defy statistics. She recommends reaching out to medical professionals and Lung Foundation Australia for support and guidance.
Sources
- John et al 2020. Lung Cancer in Australia. Journal of Thoracic Oncology 15(12).
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