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 new campaign website features 26 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.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and We Need Your Help!
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
Lung cancer cases are projected to rise from approximately 55,400 each year now (2023–2025 average) to around 66,200 by 2038-2040.
By 2040, lung cancer rates in women are expected to increase by 3%, while rates in men are expected to decrease by 7%.
Nearly 1 in 13 women and 1 in 14 men will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the UK, accounting for 21% of all cancer deaths.
Lung cancer kills more people in the UK than breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers combined.
In the UK, lung cancer claims more lives among women than breast and ovarian cancers combined.
Risk factors beyond smoking include air pollution, workplace hazards (such as asbestos and radon), genetic predispositions, and secondhand smoke exposure.
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.
Nearly half (47%) of deprivation-related cancer deaths are from lung cancer
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.
Since the early 1990s, lung cancer rates in women have risen by 32%, while rates in men have dropped by 35%.
Lung cancer is now impacting more women, even as smoking rates decline, due to genetic and environmental factors.
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 AYNIL volunteers 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: Long 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 feeding 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 counselors help process emotions and maintain positivity
Gratitude Practice: Daily reflection on positive moments and achievements
Self-Expression: Wearing favourite colors 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
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