Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the world and is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the United States. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2009 there were approximately 219,440 new cases of lung cancer. In the same year, there were 159,390 deaths caused by lung cancer.
Risks
Certain factors put you more at risk for developing lung cancer. Of these is cigarette smoke. Cigarette smokers are at greater risk for developing lung cancer and other related pulmonary diseases. Your chances of developing lung cancer may be greater depending on the amount of cigarettes smoked per day and how long you have been smoking. The National Cancer Institute reports that more than 80 percent of lung cancer deaths in the United States are caused by cigarette smoking in men and women.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lung cancer may or may not be visible, depending on the individual and the severity of the cancer. According to an article on lung cancer by the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of lung cancer typically begin to appear when the cancer is at the advanced stages. Common symptoms include a persistent or new cough that does not go away, coughing up blood in any amount, chest pain and wheezing. Other symptoms may include losing weight without trying and loss of appetite.
Causes
Doctors believe that lung cancer is caused when cigarette smoke or other pollutants damage cells that line the lungs. Cigarette smoke and other pollutants contain harmful and toxic substances called carcinogens. These carcinogens are known to cause certain human cells to become damaged and react abnormally, eventually leading to the formation of cancerous cells, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Types of Lung Cancer
Typically, lung cancer can be classified as one of two types of cancer. When doctors look at the cancer cells under the microscope, the appearance may either show small cell or non-small cell cancer. Small cell cancer is further divided into two types: small cell carcinoma (oat cell cancer) and combined small cell carcinoma. An article on lung cancer by the National Cancer Institute reports that non-small cell lung cancer is the most common kind of lung cancer and is divided into three types: squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
Prevention and Treatment
The best way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoke or secondhand smoke altogether. Since certain chemicals like asbestos and radon are known to cause lung cancer, avoiding areas that are known to contain these substances is recommended. Treatment of lung cancer may be relative to the stage of the cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, early cancer stages may be treated with surgery, while advanced stages may require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
