NON-SMOKING LUNG CANCER Information
If you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer and have never smoked, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. This page gives you the key information to help you understand what’s happening and what to ask next.
For more detailed guidance & support on your journey, explore the full guide below.
We’re also here to support you and your family at any stage.
Key Information
What Matters Most Right Now
Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer
Lung cancer is often associated with smoking, but people who have never smoked can develop it too.
Each cancer is different
Your type of cancer, the stage and the biology of your cancer all play a role in shaping your treatment.
Testing is essential
Understanding what is driving your cancer helps your medical team choose the most effective treatment for you.
Your Diagnosis
Understanding Your Diagnosis
To plan your care, your medical team will look at three key things:
- Type – the type of lung cancer (such as non‑small cell or small cell)
- Stage – how large a cancer is and how far it has spread
- Molecular Profile – what is driving the cancer at a genetic level
These pieces of information work together to guide your treatment plan. You can explore each of these in more detail in the booklet.
Molecular Testing
Why Molecular Testing Matters
Molecular testing looks for changes (or mutations) in DNA, genes, proteins and other molecules. These changes can help doctors decide the best treatment for you.
It helps your medical team to:
- Identify what is driving the cancer.
- Understand which treatments may be most effective.
- Personalise your treatment plan.
Treatment Overview
How Non-smoking Lung Cancer is Treated
Treatment varies from person to person. Your treatment will depend on your diagnosis, test results and overall health. Your medical team will guide you through the options available to you.
It may include:
- Targeted treatment
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Surgery
For a fuller overview of treatment options and how decisions are made, you can read more in the booklet.
Our Services
Support For You & Your Family
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
The Ruth Strauss Foundation provides support for families facing an incurable cancer diagnosis. We help parents talk to their children and manage the impact on family life, with guidance tailored to your situation.
Useful Information
Explore The Complete Guide
The full guide brings together everything you need to understand non-smoking lung cancer – from diagnosis and testing to treatment and support.
