Survivorship

People with lung cancer may experience symptoms caused by the cancer or by cancer treatments (side effects). Common symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, coughing up blood, pain, fever, and weight loss. These symptoms usually can be treated.¹ Patients with lung cancer should discuss their concerns about symptoms and side effects with their doctors. Doctors can help answer questions and make a plan for comfort care. For more information about symptoms and side effects, visit Coping with Cancer.

People with lung cancer should quit smoking if they smoke.² For help, visit smokefree.gov. CDC helps support a national network of quitlines that makes free "quit smoking" support available by telephone to smokers anywhere in the United States. The toll-free number is 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669). Patients with lung cancer should ask their doctor about medical options that can aid smoking cessation such as nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, or varenicline.

People with lung cancer should eat a healthy diet to keep up their strength.³ Side effects from cancer treatment such as nausea or appetite loss may make this challenging. For advice on eating well and dealing with eating problems caused by cancer treatment, visit Eating Hints.

Regular physical activity may improve quality of life after a lung cancer diagnosis.³ Patients with lung cancer should discuss an exercise plan with their doctor.

People with lung cancer and their family, friends, and caregivers may feel sad or overwhelmed by the cancer diagnosis and treatment. For information about finding or providing support for people with lung cancer and their caregivers, visit Caregivers for Cancer Patients and Survivors.Caregivers for Cancer Patients and Survivors.