MQ Health Respiratory and Sleep Clinic
- MQ Health
- 2 Technology Place
- Macquarie University NSW 2109
- T: +61 (2) 9812 2990
- E: info@mqhealth.org.au
Cancer service
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Find out whyResponsible for one in five cancer deaths in Australia
Lung cancer develops when abnormal cells grow and multiply uncontrollably in the lungs. It can also spread through the lymphatic system and blood to the other organs in the body.
Symptoms
Symptoms that could be associated with lung cancer include:
- coughing up blood
- loss of appetite/unintentional loss of weight
- fatigue
- hoarseness
- wheeze
- shortness of breath
- chest pain.
Importantly, lung cancer can have no symptoms, especially during its early phase.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical attention if any of the above symptoms persist.
Risk factors
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.
Diagnosis
Lung cancer testing includes:
- imaging tests – chest X-Ray, CT Scan, PET scan
- biopsy
- sputum cytology.
Treatment
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
Prevention
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.
Current research
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.
Resources
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) provides a host of guidelines in regards to lung cancer:
