Lung Cancer

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs begin to grow and spread, sometimes throughout the body. A large group of abnormal cells in the lungs is called a tumor. Lung cancer most commonly develops in the bronchi, which is the part of the lung that divides into branches like a tree.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. Most cases of lung cancer are caused by cigarette smoking.¹

Fast Facts

1. Also called: Bronchogenic carcinoma
2. Symptoms: Intense coughing, blood in sputum, wheezing, weight loss, chest pain
3. Common cause: smoking
4. Takes many years to develop
5. Most cases preventable²
6. Cigarette smoking contains 4000 cancer causing chemicals¹
7. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer³
8. Treatment: Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery
9. Prevention: Quit smoking, test home for radon
10. Though beta-carotene has been shown to help prevent lung cancer, taking large amounts of beta carotene supplements may actually increase lung cancer risk⁴

Types

There are two main categories of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is the more common of the two types.

Distinguishable by cell size, small cell lung cancer accounts for only about 10 to 15% of lung cancer cases. The cancerous cells spread quickly, nearly always requiring a drug-based treatment. The more common varieties are considered non-small cell lung cancer and typically develop over a period of years.⁵

Causes

Some genetic traits can also make some people more susceptible to cancer-causing substances than others. Aside from the chemicals found in cigarettes, other cancer-causing substances include asbestos, silica, mineral dusts, coal dust, radioactive gas, radon and arsenic.

Statistics

1. Responsible for most cancer deaths
2. Estimated new cases in 2005: 172,570 in U.S.⁶
3. Leading cause of cancer deaths among women, more than breast cancer⁷
4. Women are at greater risk than men⁸
5. Radon exposure blamed for 15,000-22,000 lung cancer deaths each year³

Disclaimer

The information on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information on lung cancer.

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