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What is lung cancer?

Diagram of the chest area with labels showing the lungs which are highlighted to show they can be affected by lung cancer.
  • Lung cancer is cancer that's found in one or both of your lungs.
  • The lungs are an organ in your body that help you breathe.
  • How serious lung cancer is depends on how big the cancer is, if the cancer has spread, and your general health.
  • Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK.
  • Lung cancer screening can pick up lung cancer early, which may mean it's easier to treat.

Page last reviewed: 20 August 2026
Next review due: 20 August 2029