Having lung cancer may be frightening at times. However, understanding the disease, learning how to manage symptoms and side effects, maintaining your emotional health, and engaging in strategies for healthy living can provide a sense of control and enhance well-being.

Find Support & Information

• Contact us for personalized help. Speak with a skilled and caring oncology nurse navigator or oncology therapist who has experience working with people with lung cancer and their families.
• Attend our Lung Cancer Education & Support Group to meet others facing similar challenges. An experienced oncology therapist and oncology nurse navigator facilitate this group. Caregivers are also welcome to attend. The group offers special guest speakers and discussion forums to address topics like these:
  • Available treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and various radiation therapies.
  • The treatment experience of other group members.
  • How to manage side effects, including fatigue, skin changes, and neuropathy.
  • Clinical trials.
  • Ideas for stress management and strategies to manage irritable, anxious, or depressed mood.
  • Ideas for communicating with family members, relationship challenges, and how to return to work or school.
• Shine a Light on Lung Cancer, an annual event featuring experts in the field.
• Inova Lung Cancer Screening Program, currently the only screening option for those who do not already have lung cancer but meet the high-risk criteria. Contact us.
• Register for programs that can help maintain physical and emotional health. Free classes on these topics might be of special interest to people with lung cancer:
  • Nutrition.
  • Yoga and fitness to improve balance and stamina.
  • Insomnia management.
  • Meditation/guided imagery.
  • For partners and family members, check out our Caregiver Connection group or Couples Communicating about Cancer, a four-week series.
• Consult with one of our therapists or talk to your physician about a referral to see our psychiatrist/psycho-oncologist to assess mood and medication (for a fee).
• Try a massage (a limited number are free for patients in active treatment with Inova or for a discounted fee for all other patients and caregivers). Make an appointment.

Resources

• G02 for Lung Cancer: is a national nonprofit offering one-on-one assistance, supportive connections, treatment information, latest in research and finding the best care close to home, as well as nationwide events including Shine a Light, an annual event to raise awareness and provide support for people with lung cancer.
• Lung Cancer Research Foundation: is a non-profit raising vital lung cancer research funding with our nationwide event series life Free to Breathe and helping patients with free resources.
• LUNGevity: Funds research and provides educational resources, online peer-to-peer support, in-person survivorship programs, and grassroots awareness and fundraising events.