Lung cancer

A diagnosis of lung cancer is a distressing period for both the patient and their carers. There are a number of ways that you can find support to help you cope. Not all of them work for everybody, but one or more of them should prove helpful:

• Make sure you keep talking to your friends and family because they can be a powerful support system.
• Communicate with others in the same situation.
• Know about your condition.
• Set reasonable goals.
• Take time out for yourself.

Lung cancer specialist nurses
Your specialist team should have at least one lung cancer nurse specialist working with them. Ask your specialist to make sure you get to see a nurse specialist who can often help support you in a number of ways and provide links to other sources of support and advice.

Want to know more?

• The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Patient Network.
• Cancer Research UK: living with lung cancer. 
• Macmillan: life after cancer.

Having cancer can lead to a range of emotions. These may include shock, anxiety, relief, sadness and depression. People deal with serious problems in different ways. It's hard to predict how living with cancer will affect you. Being open and honest about how you feel and what your family and friends can do to help you may put others at ease. But don't feel shy about telling people that you need some time to yourself, if that's what you need.

Want to know more?

• Macmillan: emotional effects of cancer.

Your GP or specialist nurse may be able to reassure you if you have questions, or you may find it helpful to talk to a trained counsellor, psychologist or specialist telephone helpline. Your GP surgery will have information on these. You may find it helpful to talk about your experience of lung cancer with others in a similar position at a local support group. Patient organisations have local groups where you can meet others who have been diagnosed with lung cancer and have had treatment.

If you're experiencing feelings of depression, talk to your GP. He or she can provide advice and support.

Want to know more?

• Macmillan: national lung cancer organisations.

If you're told that there's nothing more that can be done to treat your lung cancer, your GP and healthcare team will still provide you with support and pain relief. This is called palliative care. Support is also available for your family and friends.

As your cancer progresses, your doctor should work with you to establish a clear management plan based on your (and your carer's) wishes. This will include whether you'd prefer to go to hospital, a hospice or be looked after at home as you become more ill. It will take account of what services are available locally to you, what is clinically advisable and your personal circumstances.

Want to know more?

• NICE: supportive and palliative care (PDF).
• Macmillan: when you're caring for someone with cancer.
• Marie Curie Cancer Care: supporting a dying patient at home.
• End of life care.
• Palliative care.

If you have to reduce or stop work because of your lung cancer, you may find it hard to cope financially. If you have lung cancer or you're caring for someone with lung cancer, you may be entitled to financial support.

If you're under 65 and lung cancer affects your mobility, you may be able to claim Disability Living Allowance. This includes a care component and a mobility component. Your individual circumstances will affect how much you can get.

If you're under 65 you may be able to claim Incapacity Benefit. This is for people of working age who can't work because of illness or disability, and who aren't entitled to Statutory Sick Pay, or whose Statutory Sick Pay has run out. Entitlement usually depends on your National Insurance record (except for some young adults), and may be subject to a medical assessment.

If you're over 65, you may qualify for an attendance allowance (which will include a mobility element). This is in addition to any pension that you might receive, and it's not taxable.

Free prescriptions
People being treated for cancer are entitled to apply an exemption certificate giving free prescriptions for all medication, including that which treats unrelated conditions.

The certificate is valid for five years and you can apply for a certificate by speaking to your GP or cancer specialist.

Want to know more?

• Directgov: incapacity and other benefits.
• Carers Direct: information, advice and support for carers.  
• Directgov: apply for Incapacity Benefit.
• Directgov: Attendance Allowance.
• Macmillan: financial advice.
• Find your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau.
• Cancer Research UK: free prescriptions for people with cancer.
• News: Q&A on free prescriptions.