For most patients, the words “you have lung cancer” are some of the most stressful that they have ever heard. In addition to being stressful for the person with the diagnosis, this can also be a challenging time for their family members, close friends, and loved ones. The diagnosis of one person can have a wide and lasting effect on many people. Worldwide, lung cancer is the most common cancer in terms of both incidence and mortality. In 2008, there were 1.6 million new cases, and 1.4 million deaths due to lung cancer. The population group most likely to develop lung cancer is people over 50 who have a history of smoking. In contrast to the mortality rate in men, which began declining more than 20 years ago, women’s lung cancer mortality rates have been rising over the last decades, and are just recently beginning to stabilize. In the USA, the lifetime risk of developing lung cancer is 8% in men and 6% in women. Most care providers know that it is impossible to face a lung cancer diagnosis and not have added stress in your life. In fact, many patients state that “cancer” is the most difficult challenge they have ever faced. In addition to the added stress of the diagnosis, the standard cancer therapies and treatments can also be difficult and require great inner strength, perseverance, and inner resolve. In addition, a strong support group of friends and family can provide great relief and can provide a needed life-line for patients. This patient handbook was written to empower patients with stress management tools to aid them in their cancer diagnosis and treatment. It has been written with clinical expertise, and by Tess Taft who has years of experience in the care of patients going through cancer therapy. Although each person’s background and situation is different, these tools can provide assistance to you or your loved one during their cancer battle.