Lung Cancer in the Non-smoker: A Patient View Focused on the Hopes and Challenges Facing the Non-smoker Population

Abstract

A patient view paper focused on hopes and challenges facing the never smoker lung cancer population – from lived experience, unexpected diagnosis, treatment and subsequent immersion in lung cancer research and patient advocacy over many years, citing examples, references and events organised to explore the subject by UK research institutions. Material/methodsBased on lived experience, invited patient perspective conference presentations including National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) never smoker lung cancer research strategy event opening presentation and subsequent article, includes references to relevant papers/findings and points raised during research events/group discussions, alongside personal experiences and beliefs. ResultsDiscussions with clinicians, events, surveys, meetings and virtual discussions all revealed a dearth of evidence available to identify the best way to deal with this patient cohort at almost every aspect of their experience – from missed/late diagnosis, to screening potential (non-existent), mutation driven treatments (what about those ineligible?), and psychosocial/psychological aspects given their different life stage from older traditional lung cancer patients. ConclusionMore effort and focus are needed to better understand what is driving these cases, how best to detect them sooner and respond/refer to treatments as well as developing screening methods alongside increased public and healthcare professional awareness raising and tools to support clinicians in earlier detection.