Lung cancer

Doctors believe that a majority of lung cancers are associated with smoking. This risk persists years after quitting but the risk is decreased compared to a current smoker.

Other risk factors associated with lung cancer include:

• exposure to second-hand smoke
• exposure to asbestos and radon
• exposure to other occupational substances such as uranium, chromium, nickel, diesel fumes and soot
• family history of lung cancer.

Lung cancer testing includes:

• imaging tests – chest X-Ray, CT Scan, PET scan
• biopsy
• sputum cytology.

After a diagnosis is confirmed, a detailed clinical assessment is carried out by an expert multidisciplinary team.

Your case will be presented at a multidisciplinary team meeting with collaborative discussion about the best possible treatment and outcomes for the case specific to your tumour. After the meeting, your specialists will meet with you to discuss their recommendations and provide a detailed explanation of possible treatment options.

The final decision regarding the treatment and care plan is made in consultation with you. Cancer specialists work collaboratively to develop an individualised care plan for you and they are supported by oncology nurses and allied health professionals.

Treatment will depend on the type of lung cancer, how advanced it is and your general health. Some of the treatment options include:

• surgery
• radiation therapy
• chemotherapy
• targeted drug therapy
• immunotherapy
• palliative care

Although there is no way to prevent lung cancer, you can reduce the risk if you:

• don’t smoke or stop smoking
• avoid second-hand smoke
• avoid carcinogens at work
• eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables
• stay active on most days of the week.

MQ Health respiratory team, along with their associated interventional pulmonology program, have been involved in research around diagnosis, staging and treatment of early lung cancers as well as management of advanced lung cancer and its complications.

NCCN — National Comprehensive Cancer Network — provides a host of guidelines in regards to lung cancer:

• www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/lung-early-stage
• www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/lung-metastatic
• www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/mpm
• www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/lung_screening