Small Cell Lung Cancer report released alongside Lung Cancer Europe’s 11th Report on mental health
Lung Cancer Europe will release a dedicated Small Cell Lung Cancer report alongside its 11th Report on mental health in lung cancer, launching this evening, 26 March 2026, in Copenhagen during ELCC 2026.
The new report focuses specifically on the mental health experiences of people affected by small cell lung cancer. It sits alongside the wider 11th Report and adds a more detailed look at one group whose experiences are often underrepresented in research and discussion.
The report is based on responses from 140 people affected by small cell lung cancer, drawn from the wider survey of 2,204 people across 31 countries in the WHO European Region. It explores the psychological impact of lung cancer and the support needs of people affected by small cell lung cancer in Europe.
The findings show a high emotional burden. 66.2% of respondents reported a negative impact of lung cancer on their mental health. The most commonly reported emotional difficulties included fear that treatment may not work or that the cancer may progress, sadness about the impact on loved ones, fear of death, and fear of side effects or complications.
The report also highlights gaps in support. 59% of respondents affected by small cell lung cancer said they had not been offered any form of mental health support, while 46% said they had experienced emotional difficulties but had not reported them to their healthcare team. The findings also show that many did not feel well equipped to manage the emotional impact of lung cancer.
Other findings point to the wider impact of mental health on daily life. The report shows substantial effects on social life and lifestyle, family life, and finances or work, alongside calls for better communication with healthcare professionals, more information about disease and treatment, and improved access to mental health services.
Together, the 11th Report and this Small Cell Lung Cancer report reinforce the same message: mental health support needs to be recognised as a core part of lung cancer care, not an optional extra. The small cell lung cancer report adds important detail to that wider picture and helps show where more tailored support is still needed.