Early lung cancer diagnosis saves lives
See Through the Symptoms is an award-winning campaign helping healthcare professionals spot the signs of lung cancer in people who’ve never smoked.
Persistent cough, breathlessness, fatigue, back or shoulder pain, hoarseness, or facial swelling? If symptoms are unexplained or ongoing, consider a chest X-ray under the Faster Diagnosis Standard.
Backed by UK lung cancer charities. Trusted by healthcare professionals.
Winner: Public Health Initiative of the Year 2022.
-
![Brenda, 64 / Never-smoker / Symptom: Persistent cough]()
Brenda, 64 / Never-smoker / Symptom: Persistent cough
-
![Jaber, 37 / Never-smoker / Symptoms: Persistent cough, Breathlessness]()
Jaber, 37 / Never-smoker / Symptoms: Persistent cough, Breathlessness
-
![Mark, 49 / Occasional smoker / Symptoms: Back pain, Breathlessness]()
Mark, 49 / Occasional smoker / Symptoms: Back pain, Breathlessness
-
![Amelia, 26 / Never-smoker / Symptoms: Back pain, Persistent cough]()
Amelia, 26 / Never-smoker / Symptoms: Back pain, Persistent cough
-
![Debbie, 46 / Never-smoker / Symptom: Swelling in neck]()
Debbie, 46 / Never-smoker / Symptom: Swelling in neck
-
![Pete, 50 / Never-smoker / Symptom: Recurrent chest infection]()
Pete, 50 / Never-smoker / Symptom: Recurrent chest infection
-
![Razia, 37 / Never-smoker / Symptoms: Persistent chest & rib pain]()
Razia, 37 / Never-smoker / Symptoms: Persistent chest & rib pain
-
![Cameron, 52 / Never-smoker / Symptoms: Fatigue, Persistent cough]()
Cameron, 52 / Never-smoker / Symptoms: Fatigue, Persistent cough
-
![Faye, 28 / Never-smoker / Symptoms: Back pain, Persistent cough]()
Faye, 28 / Never-smoker / Symptoms: Back pain, Persistent cough
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the UK, and fewer than 1 in 5 people diagnosed survive for five years or more. It can affect anyone with lungs. If it were counted as a separate disease, lung cancer in people who have never smoked would be the eighth most common cancer in the UK. Early investigation and referral are key to improving outcomes.
Lung cancer in people who have never smoked is the 8th most common cancer in the UK. Early detection is crucial: if your patients have persistent or unexplained symptoms, please consider a chest X-ray referral under the Faster Diagnosis Standard.
Almost 65% of people diagnosed at stage 1 survive for five years or more, compared with around 5% diagnosed at stage 4 (CRUK, England 2016–2020). Early investigation and referral are essential to improving outcomes. As a healthcare professional, your proactive approach can make all the difference.
All You Need is Lungs - Raising Awareness for Everyone
The Ruth Strauss Foundation, ALK Positive UK, and EGFR+ Lung Cancer UK have come together to launch All You Need is Lungs 2026 - a campaign aimed at raising public awareness that lung cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or smoking history.
Through real-life stories shared by people with lung cancer, this campaign sheds light on the often subtle symptoms of lung cancer, emphasising the need for timely action and understanding. By highlighting these diverse journeys, we hope to challenge misconceptions and inspire earlier interventions.
The See Through the Symptoms campaign was developed by three UK charities, ALK Positive UK, EGFR+ Lung Cancer UK and the Ruth Strauss Foundation, in collaboration with BTOG, and is supported by the following organisations:
