Treatment for lung cancer will vary depending on the type of lung cancer and the stage. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and targeted treatments.  

Some people may need supplemental oxygen as part of their lung cancer treatment if the oxygen levels in the blood are low.  Home oxygen, is not a cure but it can help improve your quality of life. If your doctor prescribes you home oxygen, it is very important to treat it like any other medication prescription. This means that you must use your home oxygen as your doctor prescribes and use the flow rate and frequency he or she recommends. For some people, this might mean using oxygen all day, for others it might mean using oxygen only at night or while exerting yourself (like when you’re walking or moving a lot).
 
If it is determined that you need home oxygen to improve your blood-oxygen levels, you will need to talk to a home oxygen company’s health care professional to determine what equipment is best for you. Oxygen therapy is generally delivered as a gas from a cylinder or concentrator. Most often you will be on oxygen through small nasal prongs that fit into your nostrils, but sometimes you may need to use a mask that covers your mouth and nose. Breathing in this extra oxygen raises low blood-oxygen levels, eases the strain on your body and makes breathing easier.
 
Your body cannot store oxygen, so the therapy works only while you use it. If you take off your oxygen mask or remove the prongs, your blood oxygen level will drop within a few minutes. Like any other prescription medicine, oxygen must be used carefully and properly. You need to follow instructions and follow all the safety precautions.  

Saskatchewan residents who meet specific criteria for home oxygen may have oxygen funded through the Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL) government program. To learn more about Saskatchewan’ oxygen funding, visit our Lung Health Materials to download the Home Oxygen Brochure.
 
People with Treaty Status in Saskatchewan have oxygen funding covered through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program through the Federal government.

Learn more! Your treatment options will be determined by your doctors, specialists and health care providers.  

Learning how to manage your lung disease is the first step. This is much easier with a team. Find out more about building your health care team. When you are diagnosed with an illness, it can feel overwhelming. You will likely have many questions and the answers may not always be clear at first. Not all people with lung disease have the same symptoms and treatment will differ from person to person. It is important to talk to your healthcare providers about your treatments options and get answers to all of your questions.  

Learn more about lung cancer treatments by visiting The Lung Health Foundation.