CureRays
Lung Cancer Guide
CONTENTS
1. What is lung cancer? ​
Lung cancer is a kind of cancer that starts in the lungs, the parts of your body that help you breathe. It happens when cells in your lungs start growing in a harmful way and form a lump or tumor. This can make it hard to breathe and get enough oxygen.
There are two main types of lung cancer:
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Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): This is the more common type and has different subtypes. It's often found in people who have never smoked or used to smoke.
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Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): This type is less common, but it grows quickly and is often linked to smoking.
2. What side effects can I expect?
3. What medicine might I need? (coming soon)
4. What is the supporting evidence?

Radiation therapy is a common treatment option for lung cancer, and it works by using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells in the lung. Although radiation therapy is generally well-tolerated, it can cause a range of side effects, which may vary depending on the individual patient and the type of radiation used. Here is a summary of the anticipated side effects of radiation therapy for lung cancer, week by week:
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Week 1-2:
During the first week or two of radiation, patients may experience mild fatigue and skin irritation, such as redness or itching, in the treatment area.
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Week 3-4:
Not all lung cancer patients receive more than two weeks of radiation. For those who do, in the third and fourth weeks of treatment, patients may experience more severe fatigue and shortness of breath, as radiation can cause inflammation in the lung tissue. Patients may also experience some nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite during this time.
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Week 5-6:
During the fifth and sixth weeks of radiation therapy, patients may experience continued fatigue and shortness of breath, as well as coughing and chest pain. Skin irritation may also worsen, and some patients may experience a loss of hair in the treatment area.
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Week 7-8:
In the final weeks of treatment, patients may continue to experience fatigue and shortness of breath, as well as a dry, persistent cough. Skin irritation may also be severe, with redness, peeling, and blistering in the treatment area. Patients may also experience some difficulty swallowing or a sore throat, as radiation can affect the tissues in the throat and esophagus.
Lung Cancer Support Group
Lung & Esophageal Cancer Support Group
Meeting via Zoom
Email: Tiffany.Porter@commonspirit.org for details
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Metastatic and Advanced Cancer Support Group
Meeting via Zoom
4th Friday of the Month 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Email: Eva.Lukas@commonspirit.org for details
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Caregiver Support Group
Meeting via Zoom
3rd Friday of the Month 11:00 AM-12:00 AM
Email: Eva.Lukas@commonspirit.org for details
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Caregiver Support Group
Meeting via Zoom
3rd Friday of the month
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Email: Eva.Lukas@commonspirit.org for details
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Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Series
Registration Link
ONCOLOGY CARE THERAPIST
Eva Lukas, MA, LMFT
916-537-5262
Appointments available upon request
Spiritual Counseling
Rev. Karen Lawler
916-450-2665
Appointments available upon request
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Oncology Dietician
Susan Liebert, MS, RD, CSO, CDE
916-962-8868
Appointments available upon request
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Oncology Nurse Navigators
1-833-DHCINAV / 916-962-8892
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Transition to Wellness
Via ZOOM
To view dates or to register:
Questions about nutrition, activity or mental health in survivorship?
Meeting via Zoom
Email: tami.krebs@commonspirit.org for details