Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women each year in the United States. An estimated 197,000 people living in the U.S. are diagnosed with lung cancer every year. Despite that fact, lung cancer receives on average three times less federal research funding per death than other well-known cancers. While smoking increases your lung cancer risk, many people diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked.

Lung cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages. Finding it earlier can mean more treatment options and better outcomes. Even though screening can help find lung cancer earlier, not enough people are asking their healthcare provider about getting tested. A recent study found that only 15% of people eligible for lung cancer screening had discussed it with their provider in the past year.

Learn More about Lung Cancer Screening

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What is Lung Cancer?

Normal cells grow, divide and die as the human body needs them. Cancer cells act differently from normal cells because of damage or a change in the cells’ DNA, the genes that tell cells what to do. Cancer cells grow at an accelerated rate but do not die. Instead, they continue to grow and form a group of abnormal cells called a tumor.

Some of the most common signs and symptoms linked to lung cancer include:

A cough that won’t go away
Coughing up blood
Chest, back or shoulder pain
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Hoarseness
Being tired
Weight loss

What Causes Lung Cancer?

Smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, but it is not the only risk. People who have never smoked can and do develop the disease. Secondhand smoke and certain environmental and workplace exposures can also increase your risk.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause among people who do not smoke. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter your home through cracks and openings in the foundation. You cannot see, smell or taste radon, so testing your home is the only way to know if radon is present at an unsafe level.

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Lung Cancer Prevention and Detection

If you or someone you know has symptoms or may be at risk for lung cancer, talk with your health care provider about your concerns and to determine whether you are a good candidate for lung cancer screening.

There are a number of ways to help prevent lung cancer:

Quit or do not ever start using tobacco: If you smoke or use tobacco in any form, quit. As soon as you quit, your body begins to repair the damage done by smoking.
Avoid secondhand smoke: Make your home and car smoke-free. Encourage family, friends and co-workers to quit smoking.
Test your home for radon: Simple, inexpensive test kits are available at most home improvement stores.