and Health

Lung cancer is the second most frequent type of cancer which makes up nearly one-quarter of all cancer diagnoses. It is a serious health issue which has caused grief and suffering to thousands of people worldwide. But while it is a serious health problem, there is much that can be done to prevent and treat this type of cancer. Here are the facts about lung cancer and what you need to know about it.

What Causes Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is primarily caused by smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and accounts for about 85% of all lung cancer cases. Other risk factors for lung cancer include exposure to certain hazardous chemicals, such as asbestos and radon gas, long-term exposure to air pollution, and genetics.

What Are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?

Symptoms of lung cancer can vary depending on the type of lung cancer, its stage, and how far it has progressed. Common symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, wheezing and difficulty breathing, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Other symptoms can include coughing up blood and recurring lung infections.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer

In order to diagnose and treat lung cancer, doctors typically use imaging tests like a CT scan or PET scan, as well as biopsies and other methods. Treatment typically includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies.

Prevention and Risk Reducing Strategies

The best way to prevent and reduce the risk of lung cancer is to avoid smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products. If you are a smoker, quitting can help you reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. Additionally, avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke, hazardous chemicals, and air pollution can also help reduce your risk. People should also get regular checkups and screenings for lung cancer, as early diagnosis can increase the chances of a successful treatment.

Facts about Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer. In 2020, an estimated 228,820 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the United States.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality. In 2020, it is projected that 144,040 people in the United States will die of lung cancer.

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. The lifelong risks of smoking are significant, including a higher risk for developing lung cancer.

Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes. Early diagnosis of lung cancer can increase the chance of successful treatment.

Prevention and risk reducing strategies can help reduce the risk of lung cancer. Avoiding smoking, secondhand smoke, hazardous chemicals and air pollution can help reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.

Conclusion

Lung cancer is a serious health issue that can be devastating, but through prevention and early diagnosis, the risk of getting lung cancer can be reduced. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, so quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke can help reduce your risk. It is also important to get regular checkups and screenings for lung cancer in order to increase the chance of successful treatment.