What does radiotherapy for lung cancer involve?
Radiation therapy involves the use of radiation beams to damage and destroy cancerous tissue in the body. This article summarizes what to expect during the planning and conduct of radiation treatment.
How long do I have to live?
Cancer treatments are usually aimed at prolonging life and improving symptoms, rather than at cure. Many people and their families value honest and empathic discussion around their possible prognosis. However, it is critical to understand that every individual is different, that clinical trials and ‘averages’ do not apply to individuals, and that the doctor will almost always be wrong if they give a specific number of months or years.
When should I consider radiation for lung cancer?
After a diagnosis of lung cancer, many people are not sure about the role of radiation or indeed on what to expect from radiation therapy. This article summarizes several reasons why you may wish to consider radiation treatment.
My lung cancer is ALK positive – what does that mean?
Most people find out they are ALK positive in the setting of their cancer having already spread far enough such that surgery or radiation therapy are unlikely to be the initial approaches (distant disease). At this stage, knowing you are ALK positive opens up a range of pill options which would be very effective in most people and, although not a cure, can control the disease in most people for several years.
New treatments for localized and regional lung cancer 2022
This year, a number of new treatments that have been established in distant lung cancer have been evaluated in combination with surgery for localized and regional lung cancer with impressive results leading to fast-track international approval for use.
How painful is lung cancer surgery?
It is common to be concerned about pain after lung cancer surgery, research suggests that on average the pain is 4 of out 10 on the first day after the operation. Here is an article that explains in more detail.