# NCCN Guidelines for Patients Free plain-language versions of the NCCN cancer treatment guidelines, covering dozens of cancer types including non-small cell and small cell lung cancer, to help you talk with your care team about options. Author: Kevin Wimer Canonical URL: https://kevinwimer.com/companies/nccn-guidelines-for-patients/ Stable ID: f3eeff7a-f30d-49cf-95db-ed58f759a937 Revision: 5d79f7e0-a1ed-4d6b-80a0-c3eb1e63410a Published: 2026-10-25T03:24:34.854Z Updated: 2026-10-25T03:24:34.854Z Reviewed: 2026-10-24 ## Who this is for For people with cancer and caregivers who want a plain-language view of how experts approach treatment for their cancer type, to prepare for appointments. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that any treatment is right for your situation. NCCN is a not-for-profit alliance of 34 cancer centers. It writes the treatment guidelines many oncologists follow. The Guidelines for Patients turn those into plain language with charts, visuals and definitions, so you can follow the conversation with your care team. NCCN says the library is free, made possible by the NCCN Foundation. ## What they offer - Guides by cancer type, from leukemias and lymphomas to breast, colon, prostate, pancreatic, melanoma and many more. - For lung cancer: separate guides for early and locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer and for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (both version 2026), small cell lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer screening. - Guides on screening and risk reduction, supportive care and specific populations. - Lists of questions to ask your care providers, built into the guides. - Patient webinars and a Patient Guidelines app. ## How to start and what it costs Pick your cancer type on the library page and read or download the guide. NCCN says the library is free (checked October 24, 2026). Check the version year on the guide, since some are updated more often than others. ## How it fits with other resources here I use this kind of guide to prepare questions, not to pick a treatment. My [tumor testing guide](/resources/tumor-testing/) explains the biomarker tests the lung guides keep pointing to, and my [second opinion guide](/resources/get-a-second-opinion/) covers getting another expert to look at your plan. ## Questions I would ask - Which guide and version matches my exact diagnosis and stage? - Where does my current plan sit in this guide? - Which biomarker tests does the guide say I should have, and have I had them? - Are there options in the guide, including trials, that we have not talked about? ## Contacts - Website: [NCCN Guidelines for Patients](https://www.nccn.org/patientresources/patient-resources/guidelines-for-patients) - Patient resources: [NCCN patient resources](https://www.nccn.org/patientresources/patient-resources) ## Limits and context Library contents and versions are as listed by NCCN on October 24, 2026. The guides describe general expert recommendations, not a plan for you; your oncologist decides what fits your case. Some guides are updated less often than others, so check the version year. ## Relationships and disclosures I have no financial or business relationship with NCCN Guidelines for Patients. ## Sources - [NCCN Guidelines for Patients library](https://www.nccn.org/patientresources/patient-resources/guidelines-for-patients) — National Comprehensive Cancer Network; official; checked 2026-10-24; Plain-language guides with visuals, charts and definitions; 'This library of free resources is made possible through support from the NCCN Foundation'; guides by cancer type including Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Early and Locally Advanced (2026), Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Metastatic (2026), Small Cell Lung Cancer (2024), Pleural Mesothelioma (2026), Lung Cancer Screening (2026); webinars for patients; Patient Guidelines app. - [NCCN patient resources](https://www.nccn.org/patientresources/patient-resources) — National Comprehensive Cancer Network; official; checked 2026-10-24; NCCN is a not-for-profit alliance of 34 leading cancer centers; question lists included in the Guidelines for Patients library. - [NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Metastatic (PDF)](https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/lung-metastatic-patient.pdf) — National Comprehensive Cancer Network; official; checked 2026-10-24; Downloadable patient guide for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (URL returned 200 on October 24, 2026). Organization website: https://www.nccn.org/patientresources/patient-resources/guidelines-for-patients Organization type: Nonprofit Services: Patient education Community focus: People with any type of cancer, Caregivers, Newly diagnosed Information/access: [NCCN Guidelines for Patients library](https://www.nccn.org/patientresources/patient-resources/guidelines-for-patients) Supported regions: United States Service status: available ## Company facts - **Cost:** Free, per NCCN (checked October 24, 2026). (Sources: library) - **Who writes them:** NCCN, a not-for-profit alliance of 34 cancer centers. (Sources: resources) - **Lung guides:** NSCLC early and locally advanced (2026), NSCLC metastatic (2026), small cell (2024), mesothelioma and screening. (Sources: library, pdf) - **Formats:** Read online or download; Patient Guidelines app. (Sources: library) Topics: getting-started, tumor-testing Capabilities: patient-support Related record IDs: d6751647-28f6-42b0-a0de-56b30c69790b, f7221927-6b87-4be3-9a7c-906768a192a5, 37f8559b-848c-41bc-9591-06013c785a00 Follow Kevin on X: https://x.com/kevinace Educational information, not an individualized treatment recommendation.