Making treatment decisions for non-small cell lung cancer

After the cancer is found and staged, your cancer care team will discuss your treatment options with you. Depending on the stage of the disease and other factors, the main treatment options for people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may include:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Other local treatments
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy

In many cases, more than one of these treatments may be used.

It is important to take time and think about your options. In choosing a treatment plan, one of the most important factors is the stage of the cancer. For this reason, it is very important that your doctor order all the tests needed to determine the cancer's stage. Other factors to consider include your overall health, the likely side effects of the treatment, and the probability of curing the disease, extending life, or relieving symptoms. Age alone should not be a barrier to treatment. Older people can benefit from treatment as much as younger people, as long as their general health is good.

When considering your treatment options it is often a good idea to get a second opinion, if possible. This may provide you with more information and help you feel more confident about the treatment plan you have chosen. Your doctor should not mind that you want to get a second opinion. If your doctor has done tests, the results can be sent to the second doctor so that you will not have to have them done again.

You may have different types of doctors on your treatment team, depending on the stage of your cancer and your treatment options. These doctors may include:

• A thoracic surgeon: a doctor who treats diseases of the lungs and chest with surgery.
• A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy.
• A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines such as chemotherapy.
• A pulmonologist: a doctor who specializes in medical treatment of diseases of the lungs.

Many other specialists may be involved in your care as well, including nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, and other health professionals.