If you have lung cancer, you know how difficult it can be to live with the condition. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can fill you with uncertainty and questions. And living with EGFR-positive lung cancer brings its own set of challenges.
“EGFR-positive lung cancer is a type of lung cancer where you have a mutation in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene,” said Saba Radhi, MD, an oncologist with Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center at Banner Gateway Medical Center. This mutation makes cells in your lungs grow uncontrollably and become cancerous tumors.
EGFR mutations are usually found in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is the most common type of lung cancer. However, EGFR-positive lung cancer has its own characteristics and treatment options.
Although an EGFR-positive lung cancer diagnosis can be challenging, it doesn’t have to define you. Despite the challenges, you can still live well while you’re managing the disease.
Living well doesn’t just mean having your treatments and controlling your symptoms. It’s about finding a balance between managing the disease and enjoying your life. It can help to take time for self-care, keep a positive outlook and connect with health care providers, family and friends for support.
Dr. Radhi explained more about the condition and how to live with it.
What is EGFR-positive lung cancer?
EGFR-positive lung cancer is a type of lung cancer that’s more often found in people who don’t smoke or only smoke a little bit. “If you do smoke, it can help to stop,” Dr. Radhi said.
It’s also more common in women and people of Asian descent. About 10% to 15% of lung cancer cases in the U.S. are EGFR-positive.
Its symptoms are similar to other types of lung cancer:
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent pneumonia or bronchitis
- Coughing up blood
How is it diagnosed and treated?
EGFR-positive lung cancer is usually diagnosed through:
- Medical history.
- Physical examination.
- Imaging studies such as chest X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
- A biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of tissue from the lung to check for cancer cells and mutations in them.
- Tissue or blood sequencing to determine whether the cancer is EGFR-positive.
Treatment may include:
- Targeted therapies, which are medications that attack the cancer in a different way than chemotherapy, with different side effects. Examples include erlotinib (Tarceva), gefitinib (Iressa), afatinib (Gilotrif) and osimertinib (Tagrisso).
- Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.
- Chemotherapy, which kills cancer cells or stops them from growing. It may be used when the cancer has spread beyond the lungs.
You can talk to your health care team about the benefits and risks of different treatment options and what to expect. They can answer your questions and address your concerns.
Strategies for living well with EGFR-positive lung cancer
Dealing with cancer can be tough, but it can help to focus on keeping your body and mind as healthy as possible. Here are some steps to try.
Nutrition
Good nutrition can help manage side effects, support your immune system and improve your overall well-being.
- Choose a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins so you get the nutrients and energy you need.
- Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal tea and clear broths, so you stay hydrated.
- Have smaller, more frequent meals and snacks to help with nausea and keep your energy levels higher.
- Avoid spicy, greasy or heavy foods that may make digestive issues or nausea worse.
- Talk to a registered dietitian for recommendations that work for your needs and treatment plan.
Exercise
Regular exercise can help improve your strength, manage fatigue and improve your overall quality of life.
- Try low-impact activities like walking, swimming, yoga or tai chi to improve your heart health and strengthen your muscles.
- Start with short, gentle sessions and gradually increase how long and intensely you exercise.
- Aim for consistency but listen to your body and rest when you need to.
- Talk to your health care team before you start a new exercise program to make sure it’s safe and right for you.
Stress management
Living with EGFR-positive lung cancer can be emotionally challenging. These strategies can help you cope.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or guided imagery to reduce stress and feel calmer.
- Spend time doing activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as connecting with loved ones, working on hobbies or enjoying nature.
- Ask for support from friends, family members, support groups or mental health professionals so you can express your emotions, share experiences and get encouragement.
- Maintain a positive outlook by focusing on the present, setting realistic goals and being grateful for the things that bring joy and meaning to your life.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep and rest can help support healing, control fatigue and improve well-being.
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule — go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
- Signal to your body that it’s time to wind down with a relaxing bedtime routine. Take a warm bath, read a book or practice relaxation techniques.
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet and invest in a supportive mattress and pillows if you can.
- Limit screen time and electronic devices before bedtime, since the blue light can disrupt your sleep.
- If you have insomnia or sleep apnea, talk to your health care provider about ways to improve your sleep.
Support
Getting support can make a big difference in living well with lung cancer. Family and friends can listen, encourage you and provide comfort.
- Talking to loved ones can help you feel less lonely and isolated. Loved ones can also help with tasks like preparing meals, tackling household chores, taking you to appointments and managing medications. And spending time with others can help you feel more normal and connected and distract you from cancer treatment.
- You may also want to join in-person or online support groups for people with EGFR-positive lung cancer. That way, you can connect with others facing similar challenges, share your experiences and give each other advice and emotional support.
- Your cancer care team can offer resources and services like educational materials, pamphlets and online resources. They can also connect you with counseling and psychosocial support and palliative care (pain and symptom relief).
Managing side effects of EGFR-positive lung cancer
EGFR-targeted therapies may cause side effects. Here’s what to watch for, and what can help:
- Rashes, acne-like breakouts or dry, itchy skin: Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care products and moisturizers. Avoid hot water, harsh soaps and sun exposure. Use high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).
- Diarrhea or digestive issues: Eat small, frequent meals, stay hydrated and avoid spicy, greasy or high-fiber foods.
- Fatigue or weakness: Conserve your energy by delegating tasks, napping or resting and taking part in gentle exercise or relaxation techniques.
- Discolored or brittle nails: Keep nails short and try to avoid injuring them. Put moisturizing cream or petroleum jelly on your nail beds to prevent dryness and cracking.
Talk to your cancer care team about other medications or interventions that can help. You may need treatment for decreased appetite, weight loss, mouth sores or interstitial lung disease, a rare but serious complication.
Stay connected with your health care team
Regular follow-up appointments can help make sure your treatment plan is working as well as possible, including managing side effects. Be sure to tell your care team about any new side effects or any side effects that are getting worse.
Knowing that you have a team of professionals supporting you can help you feel more reassured and confident.
Foster a positive mindset
It can be hard to feel joyful and hopeful when you’re facing cancer, but a positive mindset can improve your resilience, well-being and quality of life. Here are some steps to try:
- Cherish the present moment and find beauty in the small things around you.
- Make it a habit to be thankful for things like support from family and friends, care from providers or the opportunity to pursue meaningful activities.
- Spend time on hobbies, interests and activities that make you feel happy and fulfilled.
- Celebrate milestones, whether you complete a round of treatment or achieve a personal goal.
The bottom line
It can be challenging to live with EGFR-positive lung cancer. Taking healthy lifestyle steps, working closely with your cancer care team, connecting with support and caring for your mental health can all help.
If you would like to learn more about living with EGFR-positive lung cancer or other types of cancer, connect with an expert at Banner Health.
