Early lung cancer diagnosis saves lives

See Through the Symptoms is an award-winning campaign helping GPs and primary care teams 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.

See Through the Symptoms is part of the All You Need Is Lungs campaign - a collaboration between ALK Positive UK, EGFR Positive UK, and the Ruth Strauss Foundation to improve early diagnosis of lung cancer in people who don’t fit the usual profile. Find out more about us.
  • 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 / Non-smoker / Symptoms: Back pain, Persistent cough

    Amelia, 26 / Non-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 most common cause of cancer death in the UK, with only 16% of patients expected to survive more than five years, and over half being diagnosed with advanced metastatic disease. It can affect anyone, smokers and non-smokers alike, with lung cancer in never-smokers now the UK’s 8th most common cause of cancer-related death. Early investigation and referral is the key to improving outcomes.

Lung cancer in non-smokers is the 8th most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the UK. Early detection is crucial; if you see persistence of unexplained symptoms in your patients, please consider X-ray referral under the Faster Diagnosis Standard.

Only 16% of lung cancer patients survive beyond five years; 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 2025 – Raising Awareness for Everyone

The Ruth Strauss Foundation, ALK Positive UK, and EGFR Positive UK have come together to launch All You Need is Lungs 2025 - a campaign aimed at raising public awareness that lung cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or smoking history. The campaign will be previewed on World Lung Cancer Day 1st August 2025.

Through real-life stories shared by patients, 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+ UK, EGFR+ UK and the Ruth Strauss Foundation in collaboration with BTOG, and is supported by the following organisations: