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April 26, 2021

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FACTS ABOUT LUNG CANCER

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women. More people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined, as it claims nearly 160,000 lives every year.

Facts about Lung Cancer

1. Smoking is the #1 risk factor

Cigarette smoking is the #1 risk factor for lung cancer. Quitting reduces your risk, even if you’ve smoked for years.

2. CT screenings can save lives.

Get screened by going for a CT scan- it’s the only proven effective way to screen for lung cancer. X-rays do not detect lung cancer at its earliest stages.

3.Targeted therapies are showing great promise in treating lung cancer.

If you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer, you need to see your doctor. In addition to causing cancer, smoking damages nearly every organ and organ system in your body. Talk to your doctor about strategies or stop-smoking aids that can help you quit.

4. But, be aware, nonsmokers can get lung cancer too.

Roughly 10 to 15% of lung cancer cases occur in non-smokers. Risk factors include: exposure to radon gas, secondhand smoke, carcinogens like asbestos or diesel exhaust, air pollution. and even gene mutations.

5. There are identifiable warning signs that can lead to early diagnosis.

Only 16% of people with lung cancer will be diagnosed at the earliest stage, when the disease is most treatable. If you are experiencing a chronic cough, coughing up blood, hoarseness, wheezing, frequent shortness of breath, chest pain, bone pain, or unexplained weight loss, talk to your doctor, also if you have a family history of lung cancer – especially a parent or sibling.

6. There are different types of lung cancer

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, making up 80-85% of all cases. 

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) makes up 15-20% of all lung cancer cases. This is a fast-growing cancer that spreads rapidly to other parts of the body.

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of organs and can originate in the lungs or the abdomen, heart, and chest. It is associated with exposure to asbestos.

Carcinoid tumors are a type of neuroendocrine tumor that can originate in the lungs or small intestine.

7. Cutting-Edge research helps us attack lung cancer head on.

National Foundation for Cancer Research funded scientists are working on projects that can help us attack lung cancer. By successfully identifying drug combinations that halted the growth of resistant cells in tumor models, this research will hopefully lead to the development of effective therapeutic strategies to tackle cancer.

Source: www.nfcr.org

National Foundation for Cancer Research

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