Types of cancer
Lung cancer
If you’re affected by lung cancer, you may have many questions about how it is diagnosed, treatment options, side effects and how to stay well.
Last updated:
Sources and references 
Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. Here, we break down the different types of lung cancer and tell you everything you need to know about the health care specialists you will need to see, the tests that diagnose lung cancer and the treatment options best suited to each type. You'll also find out about all the supports available to you throughout your cancer treatment.
About lung cancer
Find out about the different types of lung cancer and how common it is.
Lung cancer symptoms, risks and screening
Learn about the common symptoms and risk factors for lung cancer, and the national lung screening program, launched in July 2025.
Diagnosing lung cancer
Information about the tests for lung cancer, how lung cancer is diagnosed and staged, and who will provide your care.
Treatments for lung cancer
Treatment for lung cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Managing symptoms of lung cancer
Learn about lung cancer symptoms and how to manage them effectively.
Life during and after lung cancer treatment
Cancer can cause physical and emotional strain, so it’s important to look after your wellbeing.
Sources and references
This edition has been developed by Cancer Council NSW on behalf of all other state and territory Cancer Councils as part of a National Cancer Information Subcommittee initiative. We thank the reviewers of this booklet: Dr Malinda Itchins, Thoracic Medical Oncologist, Royal North Shore Hospital and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Dr Cynleen Kai, Radiation Oncologist, GenesisCare, VIC; Dr Naveed Alam, Thoracic Surgeon, St Vincent’s Hospital, Epworth Richmond, and Monash Medical Centre, VIC; Helen Benny, Consumer; Dr Rachael Dodd, Senior Research Fellow, The Daffodil Centre, NSW; Kim Greco, Specialist Lung Cancer Nurse Consultant, Flinders Medical Centre, SA; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Marco Salvador, Consumer; Janene Shelton, Lung Foundation Australia – Specialist Lung Cancer Nurse, Darling Downs Health, QLD; Prof Emily Stone, Respiratory Physician, Department of Thoracic Medicine and Lung Transplantation, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, NSW; A/Prof Marianne Weber, Stream Lead, Lung Cancer Policy and Evaluation, The Daffodil Centre, NSW. We would also like to thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous editions of this title.
Cancer Council 13 11 20
Call us to talk to a specially trained health professional for free and confidential support and information.
Guide to best cancer care
This lung cancer guide explains the standard of high-quality cancer care that all Australians can expect, from diagnosis, to treatment, recovery, and living with cancer.