Supporting Lung Cancer Patients and Carers Along the Treatment Pathway
November 2025
Empowering Patients and Carers Through Knowledge and Engagement
Supporting individuals diagnosed with lung cancer and those who care for them is key throughout every stage of the lung cancer treatment pathway. To address this need, MSD in the UK, with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation (RCLCF), have co-created the booklet “Understanding Treatment Options in Lung Cancer: A Guide for Patients and Carers”.
This comprehensive resource is specifically designed to support Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) patients and their carers.
Lung cancer treatment pathways continue to evolve and can often seem complex or overwhelming. Navigating these pathways and having access to reliable and clear health information can enhance the experiences of both patients and carers1.
The booklet draws on insights from individuals living with lung cancer and healthcare professionals connected to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation (RCLCF). These perspectives have shaped a step-by-step companion guide to help patients and carers understand lung cancer treatment options. The booklet offers clear definitions, outlines treatment options, provides prompts for key questions to ask at each stage, and includes tick boxes to help track progress, with the aim to encourage active involvement and discussion in care.
The Importance of Involving Patients and Carers
Research shows that when patients actively participate in their treatment decisions, outcomes and overall experiences improve2. A lung cancer diagnosis may bring forth a wide range of emotions, not only for the individual, but also for those who support them. The booklet encourages patients to communicate openly with their healthcare team and to seek out services that promote both their physical and emotional wellbeing. “Understanding Treatment Options in Lung Cancer” outlines the range of available treatments, including prehabilitation and rehabilitation.
At MSD in the UK, our commitment is to place patients at the heart of all we do. We aim to inspire patient communities to engage proactively with healthcare systems and empower them to advocate for their own health. This booklet was developed to provide patients and carers with the information and support they need to navigate the complexities of the lung cancer treatment pathway and to have informed, meaningful discussions about their care.
1 The Patients Association. Advancing Health Equity Through CORE: A New Approach to Inclusive Communication. 2024; Available from: Advancing Health Equity Through CORE: A New Approach to Inclusive Communication | The Patients Association [Accessed October 2025]
2 NHS England. Involving people in their own care. n.d.; Available from: NHS England » Involving people in their own care [Accessed October 2025]
GB-NON-11709 | October 2025