Our goal isn’t to scare but to educate. Lung cancer is often diagnosed late, partly due to myths about who can get it. We want to change this by making people aware of symptoms and risk factors beyond smoking. We believe that knowledge empowers people to seek help when something feels wrong, potentially saving lives.

We’re not victimising smokers. Lung cancer stigma is something that lung cancer patients - whether they’ve smoked or not - face on top of their diagnosis. Everyone who has lung cancer deserves compassion; no one should have to endure this stigma. Many people don’t realise that non-smokers can also develop lung cancer due to specific genetic mutations (oncogene-driven cancers). Addressing these misconceptions is essential for raising awareness and preventing late-stage diagnoses, often delayed by profiling like, ‘You’re too young for lung cancer,’ or ‘You’ve never smoked, so it’s unlikely.’ Our message is that lung cancer can affect anyone, and it deserves attention and empathy.

While it’s less common in younger people, lung cancer can and does happen at any age. Unfortunately, younger people are often diagnosed later because they don’t fit the typical profile. By increasing awareness, we can encourage all ages to look out for symptoms and seek help if something doesn’t feel right.

While smoking remains a major risk factor, it doesn’t account for every case. Many lung cancers are linked to genetic mutations unrelated to smoking, and these cases are on the rise. By raising awareness, we can improve early diagnosis for everyone, regardless of smoking history.

We understand that many symptoms can be harmless or caused by other conditions, but early detection is critical in lung cancer, as it’s often diagnosed late when treatment options are limited. Our campaign isn’t about panic; it’s about awareness and empowering people to recognise changes in their health and to speak to their doctor, just as they would for any other health concern. Knowledge helps people seek answers early.

While smoking is a risk factor, it isn’t the cause of every lung cancer case. Many patients diagnosed with lung cancer today are non-smokers or have never smoked. Lung cancer is influenced by genetic factors, environmental exposure, and other unknown elements. No one deserves judgement with any cancer diagnosis; all patients deserve respect and support.

The increase in lung cancer among women is a significant concern and is still being researched. While some factors like occupational exposures can increase risks, the root cause is often more complex. Many cases of lung cancer in women are driven by genetic mutations rather than lifestyle factors. Raising awareness of these mutations and advocating for research is key to better understanding and addressing these trends.

Lung cancer is complex, with various contributing factors, many of which are unknown. While certain exposure can play a role, it’s not the only factor, and it’s crucial to remember that no one is ‘responsible’ for their cancer. Stigmatising people only worsens their experience and shifts focus away from awareness and prevention.

Lung cancer treatment has made incredible strides, but early diagnosis remains crucial for the best outcomes. Many people aren’t diagnosed until later stages, partly due to stigma or lack of awareness. Our goal is to highlight that lung cancer can affect anyone and should be taken seriously so people feel empowered to seek help early.

COVID-19 can lead to serious respiratory issues, including pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and in some cases, long-term lung damage. However, there is currently no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 directly causes lung cancer. Lung cancer is typically caused by long-term exposure to risk factors like smoking, environmental pollutants, radon, secondhand smoke, and genetic mutations. While COVID-19 impacts lung health, it is not classified as a carcinogen, and ongoing studies are exploring whether severe inflammation from the virus could increase the risk of future conditions.

There is no evidence that vaccinations cause lung cancer. Vaccines are designed to protect against infectious diseases, and while there may be myths circulating about vaccines causing cancer, these claims are not supported by scientific research. Some vaccines, such as those for flu or pneumonia, are actually important for people with lung cancer to protect their overall health, especially during treatment. It’s essential to rely on accurate, evidence-based information when it comes to lung cancer risks and prevention.

At this time, there is no scientific evidence that geo-engineering—like cloud seeding or other weather modification techniques—has a direct link to causing lung cancer. Lung cancer can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors like smoking or pollution. It’s important to focus on established risk factors and research-backed information when understanding lung cancer.

We understand how frustrating it can be trying to get a GP appointment, and it’s not ideal. Many of our AYNIL campaign volunteers have shared that, in hindsight, they wish they had listened to their bodies when they knew something wasn’t right and been more insistent on getting answers. If you feel that something is wrong, it’s so important to be your own best advocate. Keep pushing for an appointment or an urgent referral if necessary, and consider exploring walk-in clinics or telemedicine services if available. Early diagnosis makes a real difference, so don’t wait to get checked.

No, there is no hidden cure for cancer. This myth fundamentally misunderstands how cancer works and how medical research operates.

The reality:

• Cancer isn't one disease—it's over 200 different diseases, each requiring different treatments

• Thousands of researchers worldwide work openly on cancer treatments, publishing their findings in peer-reviewed journals

• Medical breakthroughs cannot be hidden in today's interconnected scientific community

• Pharmaceutical companies actually have massive financial incentives to develop cures—the first company to cure a major cancer would make enormous profits

• Many effective cancer treatments already exist, and survival rates have dramatically improved over decades

While mental wellbeing is important for overall health, cancer is not caused by negative thinking, stress, or trauma, and positive thinking alone cannot cure it.

The reality:

• Cancer has multiple causes including genetic factors, environmental exposures, infections, and sometimes random cellular changes

• Some risk factors are beyond our control—age, family history, and genetic predisposition

• Studies show no evidence that personality type, stress levels, or attitude directly cause cancer

• Stress management and emotional support are valuable for coping with cancer, but they don't treat the disease itself

While healthy lifestyle choices can reduce cancer risk, they cannot eliminate it entirely. Many cancers occur regardless of lifestyle.

The reality:

• Only about 40% of cancers are linked to lifestyle factors

• Age is the biggest risk factor—most cancers occur in people over 65

• Genetic factors account for 5-10% of cancers

• Environmental factors beyond our control (like air pollution or workplace exposures) contribute to cancer risk

• Random cellular changes during normal cell division can lead to cancer

• Children and young adults can develop cancer despite having no lifestyle risk factors

Modern chemotherapy and radiotherapy are evidence-based treatments that have saved millions of lives, though they can have significant side effects.

The reality:

• Cancer survival rates have dramatically improved thanks to these treatments

• Treatment protocols are carefully designed to maximise benefit while minimising harm

• Side effects, while challenging, are generally temporary and manageable with supportive care

• Doctors continuously weigh benefits against risks for each individual patient

• Many people complete treatment and go on to live full, healthy lives

• Newer targeted therapies often have fewer side effects than older treatments