Long-term lung cancer survivors’ experiences are different from other cancer survivors, but due to their underrepresented needs in survivorship research, people with lung cancer have greater unmet physical and emotional needs from the side effects of cancer. They also have higher rates of depression. GO2 for Lung Cancer is committed to better understanding the needs of lung cancer survivors to provide necessary resources and support.

GO2 for Lung Cancer conducted a needs-assessment survey online, consisting of 122 questions on the treatment and smoking histories of the respondents, which patients, survivors, and their loved ones could answer anonymously. In addition, 10 long-term survivors answered via telephone.

In total, 820 individuals participated, including 471 who self-identified as patients or survivors and 349 who self-identified as caregivers or loved ones of patients or survivors. Of those, 1 out of 5 (20%) of survivor respondents were long-term, meaning they were diagnosed 5 or more years prior.

The most prevalent and problematic experiences during all 3 periods were dyspnea (difficulty breathing), anxiety, and fatigue. The emotional effects were more problematic for long-term survivors, just after treatment ended and even after 5 more years of survivorship. Of note, the most common late and long-term symptoms included shortness of breath (39%), fatigue (28%), short-term memory (27%) and anxiety (25%).

This study has been completed, but long-term lung cancer survivors are only growing in numbers. With the increase in screening and treatment options, people with lung cancer are living better, longer lives. By sharing your lung cancer story and contributing your experience as a person living with lung cancer, you are helping the research community develop new treatments and breakthrough discoveries.

Each person’s lung cancer story is unique, but there is a connecting thread between all those living with lung cancer. GO2’s Lung Cancer Registry lets you share your lung cancer experience to create connections and answer important questions about treatment, support, and quality of life for people with lung cancer. By joining the Lung Cancer Registry, you are not only providing data that fuels innovative research, but you are also helping those living with lung cancer to feel empowered throughout their lung cancer journey.

Learn more about the Lung Cancer Registry and sign up today!

GO2 for Lung Cancer can provide one-on-one support at all phases of lung cancer care. Contact our HelpLine at by phone at 1-800-298-2436, email support@go2.org, or request a call.

GO2 for Lung Cancer staff conducted this survey and shared results at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer’s 19^th World Conference on Lung Cancer. Study findings were also published in Cure Magazine.