In short
Non-small cell lung cancer is about 85% of cases. Early disease may be treated with surgery or stereotactic radiotherapy. Later disease may need chemoradiotherapy, immunotherapy, or tablets aimed at EGFR or ALK gene changes. Small cell lung cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy. The NHS funds clinically indicated options; World Aid Network funds treatment overseas for patients who cannot pay.
Treatment is planned by a specialist team after scans and, usually, a biopsy. The biopsy is not only to confirm cancer — for non-small cell disease it is tested for gene changes and PD-L1, which decide whether targeted tablets or immunotherapy are likely to help.
In the UK these tests and drugs are part of NHS pathways. In many low-income settings the same cancer is found later and the drugs are unaffordable. That access gap is what World Aid Network funds through partner oncologists.
What treatment is used for early lung cancer?
For early non-small cell lung cancer, removing a lobe of the lung (lobectomy) offers the best chance of cure for people fit enough for surgery. Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is an alternative when surgery is not possible.
Locally advanced disease that cannot be operated on is often treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy together.
What are immunotherapy and targeted therapy?
Immunotherapy drugs such as pembrolizumab, nivolumab and atezolizumab help the immune system attack the cancer. They work best when the tumour has high PD-L1 expression.
If the tumour has an EGFR mutation, tablets such as osimertinib may be used. ALK-rearranged tumours may be treated with alectinib or similar drugs. Small cell lung cancer is typically treated with combination chemotherapy and often responds at first, but it can recur.
Help a patient afford cancer care
Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
Donate to cancer careWhat is the survival rate for lung cancer?
Cancer Research UK reports that more than 15% survive lung cancer for five years or longer in its all-stage UK summary, based on historical registry data. This population estimate is not a prediction for an individual. Cancer type, stage, general health and response to treatment matter; use the linked source for the data periods and definitions.
These are UK statistics. They are not World Aid Network caseloads.
Key takeaways
- NSCLC is about 85% of lung cancers; SCLC is about 15% and is almost always linked to smoking.
- Early NSCLC may be treated with surgery or SABR; advanced disease may need immunotherapy or targeted tablets.
- A biopsy is tested for EGFR, ALK and PD-L1 to choose drugs.
- World Aid Network funds treatment access overseas — not UK NHS care and not research labs.
Care like this is out of reach for millions
The diagnosis, screening and treatment described here are routine in the UK. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, poverty can put them out of reach. The Cancer Emergency Appeal raises funds towards clinically recommended care for patients who cannot pay; gifts go to the wider fund and do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
Frequently asked questions
Is immunotherapy available on the NHS?
Yes, for eligible patients according to NICE and NHS criteria, usually after PD-L1 testing. Exact eligibility depends on type, stage and previous treatment.
Does lung cancer treatment always mean chemotherapy?
No. Early disease may be treated with surgery or SABR alone. Some tumours are treated with targeted tablets or immunotherapy instead of, or as well as, chemotherapy.
Does World Aid Network treat lung cancer in the UK?
No. We do not run NHS clinics. We fund lung cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia where partner hospitals can deliver it.
Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Editorial responsibility: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026.
What are the sources for this guide?
Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page.