Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK and, with poor survival rates, it is the biggest cancer killer. Management of the disease depends on histological type (small cell or non-small cell lung cancer), stage of disease at presentation, patient characteristics and available resources, with possible treatment options including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and the newer targeted agents. Nurses are best placed, as part of a multidisciplinary team, to provide co-ordination and continuity of care for patients with lung cancer throughout the course of their disease, as well as emotional and social support for patients and their families.