Misunderstandings and a lack of awareness continue to delay lung cancer diagnoses, leading to poorer outcomes. 

All You Need is Lungs is a collaborative campaign by three lung cancer charities: ALK+ UK, EGFR+ UK, and the Ruth Strauss Foundation. Our message is simple: Anyone can get lung cancer - ALL YOU NEED IS LUNGS. 

Our campaign website features real stories from people living with lung cancer. They are sharing their journeys to prevent others from facing similar challenges, wishing they'd known sooner that lung cancer doesn’t discriminate by smoking history or age. 

We need your help to raise awareness that anyone can get lung cancer!

Collage of diverse people's faces with a black banner in the center reading 'The Faces of Lung Cancer' and the logo 'All You Need is Lungs'. The top and bottom text states, 'Anyone can get lung cancer. All you need is lungs.'

Here’s how easy it is to help…

We’ve made these stories incredibly easy to share - just look for the icons for LinkedIn, Facebook and X/Twitter on each story page. With one click, you can spread this life-saving message. 

You can also click download our ready-to-post social media visual with the suggested caption to share directly on your platforms. Please use the hashtag #AllYouNeedisLungs and join us in making a difference. 

Please like, share, and comment on all our channels - every interaction will help raise awareness.

Help us show the world that anyone can get lung cancer - ALL YOU NEED IS LUNGS.

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Anyone can get lung cancer - ALL YOU NEED IS LUNGS, but misunderstandings and a lack of awareness continue to delay lung cancer diagnoses, leading to poorer outcomes. 

Know the facts:

  • 1 in 5 people diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked

  • Up to 90% of non-smokers are diagnosed at a late stage, limiting treatment options

  • Lung cancer isn’t just a disease for older adults; young people are affected too

Visit allyouneedislungs.org.uk to read real stories from people living with lung cancer and learn more #AllYouNeedIsLungs

Share these keys facts about lung cancer in the UK

  1. Lung cancer cases are projected to rise from approximately 55,400 each year now (2023–2025 average) to around 66,200 by 2038-2040.

  2. By 2040, lung cancer rates in women are expected to increase by 3%, while rates in men are expected to decrease by 7%.

  3. Nearly 1 in 13 women and 1 in 14 men will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime.

  4. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the UK, accounting for 21% of all cancer deaths.

  5. Lung cancer kills more people in the UK than breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers combined.

  6. In the UK, lung cancer claims more lives among women than breast and ovarian cancers combined.

  7. Risk factors beyond smoking include air pollution, workplace hazards (such as asbestos and radon), genetic predispositions, and secondhand smoke exposure.

  8. Around 13,400 deaths from lung cancer each year in the UK are linked with deprivation. Split approximately 6,500 in females and around 6,900 in males.

  9. Nearly half (47%) of deprivation-related cancer deaths are from lung cancer

  10. Lung cancer mortality rates are severely affected by socioeconomic inequality. Death rates from lung cancer are more than twice as high in the poorest areas of the UK.

  11. Since the early 1990s, lung cancer rates in women have risen by 32%, while rates in men have dropped by 35%.

  12. Lung cancer is now impacting more women, even as smoking rates decline, due to genetic and environmental factors.

  13. Approximately 9.5% of people diagnosed with lung cancer in England survive their disease for ten years or more.

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Lung Cancer Self-Care: Living Well with Your Diagnosis

Living with lung cancer doesn't mean putting life on hold. Our All You Need is Lungs voices show us that self-care isn't selfish - it's essential. From finding strength in daily routines to discovering new passions, here's how people are thriving alongside their diagnosis.

Nutrition and Wellness

  • Balanced Eating: Focus on good nutrition to support physical health and energy levels

  • Cooking as Therapy: Preparing meals can be meditative and rewarding

  • Social Meals: Sharing food with loved ones strengthens important relationships

  • Culinary Adventures: Trying new recipes or cooking classes keeps life engaging

  • Accept Support: Allow others to help with meal preparation when needed

Social Connection and Community

  • Family and Friends: Regular contact with loved ones provides essential emotional support

  • Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand the cancer journey reduces isolation

  • Advocacy Work: Volunteering and raising awareness transforms experience into meaningful purpose

  • Maintaining Relationships: Keeping up with long-standing friendships and making new connections

  • Community Activities: Participating in local groups and events maintains social engagement

Creative and Therapeutic Pursuits

  • Traditional Crafts: Knitting, sewing, and other handed-down skills provide comfort and connection

  • Artistic Expression: Visual journaling, art therapy, and creative courses offer emotional outlets

  • Gardening: Nurturing plants gives a sense of control and hope for the future

  • Music and Singing: Joining choirs or musical activities builds community and joy

  • Learning New Skills: Taking on fresh challenges maintains mental engagement

Physical Activity: Movement as Medicine

  • Outdoor Activities: Walks in nature, daily strolls, and beach walks provide both exercise and mental clarity

  • Structured Exercise: Cycling, yoga classes, gym sessions, and Nordic walking build physical strength and emotional resilience

  • Gentle Movement: Morning stretches, breathing exercises, and climbing stairs when tired help maintain independence

  • Nature Connection: Being outdoors offers peace of mind and helps manage anxiety

Pets: Unconditional Healing

  • Daily Structure: Regular walks and routines create stability and purpose

  • Emotional Support: Unconditional love and comfort during difficult days

  • Social Connection: Dog walking creates opportunities to meet others and maintain friendships

  • Present Moment Living: Animals teach us to focus on now rather than worry about the future

  • Sense of Purpose: Caring for pets reminds us we are still needed and capable

Daily Practices for Wellbeing

  • Mindfulness Apps: Use technology for breathing exercises and gratitude practices

  • Simple Pleasures: Hot baths, good books, movies, and peaceful moments

  • Professional Support: Therapists and counsellors can help process emotions and maintain positivity

  • Gratitude Practice: Daily reflection on positive moments and achievements

  • Self-Expression: Wearing favourite colours and styles to boost mood and confidence

The Heart of Self-Care

Self-care in lung cancer is about staying connected to what makes you happy and keeps you grounded. The key is discovering your own combination of activities that nurture body, mind, and spirit while living fully with your diagnosis.

Remember: What matters is finding approaches that work for you and embracing the support available from both loved ones and the wider community.

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Living with lung cancer doesn't mean putting life on hold. Self-care isn't selfish - it's essential.

Life-changing strategies from the lung cancer community:

  • Daily walks with pets for structure and support

  • Physical activities like cycling, walking, running, and yoga for strength

  • Travel adventures and exploring new places for excitement and joy

  • Creative activities like gardening and crafts for hope and connection

  • Support groups for friendship, community, and shared understanding

  • Enjoying food through cooking classes, trying new cuisines, and shared meals

  • Mindfulness practices to stay present

Find what makes YOU happy and keeps you grounded.

Visit allyouneedislungs.org.uk to read inspiring stories and discover more self-care strategies #AllYouNeedIsLungs

Download our All You Need is Lungs logo

Graphic illustration of human lungs with a blue and red circular background, representing respiratory health or lung function.
Stylized graphic of lungs with a gradient background from blue to pink, representing breathing or respiratory health.