Survivorship

People with lung cancer may experience symptoms caused by the cancer or by cancer treatments (side effects). Common symptoms caused by lung cancer include shortness of breath, cough, wheeze, coughing up blood, pain, fever, and weight loss. Side effects vary depending on the type of treatment. People who want information about symptoms and side effects and those that can occur with their treatment plan should talk to their doctors. Also those with symptoms or concerns should discuss them with their doctors. Doctors can help answer questions and make a plan to control symptoms.

For more information about symptoms and side effects, visit the links to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) listed below.

• Coping with Cancer
• Symptoms and Side Effects*

For more information about finding or providing support for people with lung cancer and their caregivers, visit the links listed below.

• Cancer Survivorship Initiative (CDC)
• Survivorship Resources (CDC)
• Support and Information for People Living with Cancer (CDC)
• Patient Education and Support Programs (Lung Cancer Alliance)*

A recent study suggested that people diagnosed with lung cancer sometimes feel stigmatized by others.¹ That is, that because of the association of smoking with lung cancer, some people felt blamed for causing their illness. Even some people who never smoked had similar feelings. For some, these feelings interfered with relationships or made them not want to talk to others about their cancer.

To learn more about this issue, visit the link to the American Cancer Society: Many Lung Cancer Patients Feel Stigmatized.*

Reference

1. Chapple A, Ziebland S, McPherson A. Stigma, shame and blame experienced by patients with lung cancer: A qualitative study. BMJ 2004;328:1470.
    

*Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.