Advanced lung cancer
Advanced lung cancer is lung cancer that has spread outside the lung and to other parts of the body. It can often be treated to control the cancer, slow down its spread, and manage any symptoms.
Cancer that has metastasised keeps the name of the original, primary cancer, so the cancer will still be called lung cancer even if it has spread to the bones, for example. Because the symptoms of lung cancer are often vague in its early stages, some people find that the cancer is advanced when it is first diagnosed. In other cases, the lung cancer is advanced when it comes back after treatment (recurrence).
You may have the same treatments used for treating early lung cancer, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, or targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Some of these treatments may be part of palliative treatment.
Specific treatments to manage symptoms that make breathing difficult are covered in After treatment.
Read more about the emotional and physical aspects of advanced cancer, download our Living With Advanced Cancer booklet, or call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
Learn more about:
This information was last reviewed in November 2016.
Support services
Life after cancer treatment
Webinars, exercise and nutrition, sexuality programs, and back-to-work support.
Coping with cancer?
Talk with a health professional or someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum.
Need legal and financial assistance?
Practical advice and support during and after treatment.
Cancer information
The emotional impact of advanced cancer
First reactions and ongoing effects of an advanced cancer diagnosis.
Making treatment decisions for advanced cancer
Weighing up the benefits and side effects of treatment.
Caring for someone with advanced cancer
The emotional, physical and practical impacts for carers.
