Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with NSCLC, learning about the condition is important to understanding the diagnosis and making informed decisions about treatment.
The websites below are a good starting point for patients and caregivers who want to learn more about non-small cell lung cancer, including information to help understand the diagnosis, the treatment options that are available, questions you should be asking your healthcare providers, and where to connect with people who can offer guidance and support.
American Cancer Society
The website of the American Cancer Society is an excellent place to start when looking for information on any type of cancer. The section of the website dedicated to lung cancer includes a short and simple guide for people recently diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, as well as in-depth information about the different treatment options, staging, and what happens after lung cancer treatment.
American Lung Association
The website of the American Lung Association is a great starting point for learning about any form of lung disease, including types of lung cancer, preparing for treatment, telling people about your diagnosis, information for caregivers, and information on quitting smoking. The organization offers a helpline that connects patients and caregivers with healthcare professionals, including registered nurses, respiratory therapists, and certified tobacco treatment specialists. They also support several free online communities where you can connect with other patients who are living with lung disease.
National Cancer Institute
Part of the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute is a federal agency dedicated to cancer research and training. The NCI website offers information on all types of cancer, including lung cancer. It is a great starting point for learning more about the disease, with information on the different types of lung cancer, the available treatment options, and the latest research. There are also a number of pages with information on coping with cancer, with practical advice on the mental, emotional, and social challenges of living with lung cancer.
CancerCare
CancerCare provides a number of free services to people living with cancer and people caring for someone diagnosed with cancer. These services include counseling with oncology social workers (which can be accessed over the phone), case management services to help those who are having trouble accessing care, and information on financial assistance for eligible patients. CancerCare also sponsors online support groups for patients and caregivers, as well as community programs in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
LUNGevity
LUNGevity is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving outcomes for people with lung cancer. In addition to funding research, LUNGevity also provides education and support for people living with lung cancer. Through the website you can access online forums and support groups, and a mentorship program for patients and caregivers. The website also has questions and checklists to help patients and caregivers talk to their healthcare providers, which are broken down into specific topics.
smokefree.gov
Smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. Quitting smoking after being diagnosed with cancer has numerous benefits, including a better chance at successful treatment, a better quality of life, and a lower risk of secondary cancers. Continuing to smoke after a diagnosis is associated with worse side effects from treatment and increased risk of infections, secondary cancers, and other serious illnesses. While quitting smoking is oftentimes difficult, help is available, and smokefree.gov offers a number of resources to help people successfully quit smoking.
Sources: Johns Hopkins Medicine. "Lung Cancer Typ... + 4
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. "Lung Cancer Types."
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "What Are the Risk Factors for Lung Cancer?"
- American Society of Clinical Oncology. "Stopping Tobacco Use After a Cancer Diagnosis."
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Smoking and Tobacco Use."
- GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer. "Quitting Smoking After Diagnosis."
