Finding lung cancer early can make surgery possible
When lung cancer is found early, before it has spread, surgery may be possible with the aim of curing it. That is why noticing symptoms, getting them checked, and talking to a doctor if you are at higher risk, even without symptoms, can make such a difference.
Surgeons focused on life after lung cancer
The European Society of Thoracic Surgeons, ESTS, brings together more than 2,000 thoracic surgeons and specialists from 91 countries. Its Patient Centred and Quality of Life Working Group is co-chaired by Cecilia Pompili, Maria Rodriguez and Elena Prisciandaro, with members across Europe, Asia and North America.
Why finding lung cancer early opens up options
The stage at which lung cancer is found affects which treatments are possible. When it is found at its very earliest stage, the outlook after surgery can be very good.
“More than 9 in 10 people who have surgery for the earliest stage of non-small cell lung cancer are alive five years later.”
This applies to stage IA1, when the tumour is very small and has not spread. Source: Rami-Porta R et al. IASLC Lung Cancer Staging Project, ninth edition of the TNM classification. Journal of Thoracic Oncology, 2024.
Living well, not just surviving
The working group looks beyond whether surgery is successful. They focus on how people recover afterwards: how well they can breathe, move and work, and how they feel about their lives after an operation.
To understand this, they ask people about their own health, wellbeing and daily lives, rather than relying only on medical tests. This helps surgical teams prepare people for what to expect, support their recovery, and improve care for others in the future.
For many people, surgery is not the end of an active life. The working group wants people facing lung cancer surgery to know that a full, active life afterwards is possible.
Don’t wait, Get Checked!
Lung cancer can affect anyone with lungs. If you notice symptoms that don't go away, get them checked. If you are at higher risk, talk to your doctor, even if you feel well. Finding lung cancer early can mean more treatment options, including surgery.What this means for you
Lung cancer can affect anyone with lungs, including people who have never smoked. If you have symptoms that don't go away, or keep coming back after treatment, go back to your doctor. It can help to tell them if you have ever smoked, or if you have ever been exposed to asbestos at work or at home, so they can consider every possibility.
The lived experience side
Jackie had surgery for lung cancer that was found early. Since then, she has run a 230 km ultramarathon through Kenya.
