Lung cancer stands as the foremost cause of cancer-related fatalities in the United States.
While numerous risk factors contribute to this disease, smoking remains the primary cause of lung cancer.
Statistics reveal that most individuals diagnosed with lung cancer are 65 years or older, with the average diagnosis age around 70.
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Continue reading to discover more about the associated risk factors for lung cancer, its detection methods, and common symptoms to be aware of.
- What exactly is lung cancer?
- Is lung cancer typically fatal?
- How is lung cancer typically detected?
- What are the usual symptoms of lung cancer?
- What treatments are available for lung cancer?
- What are the primary risk factors for lung cancer?
Lung cancer predominantly affects older adults, with smoking being the leading risk factor.
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1. What is lung cancer?
A cancer diagnosis occurs when cells begin to proliferate uncontrollably in the body, with lung cancer originating in the lungs.
There are two primary categories of lung cancer.
The most prevalent type is non-small cell lung cancer, which constitutes 80%-85% of all cases, per the American Cancer Society.
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Various subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer exist, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell (undifferentiated) carcinoma, and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, each originating from different types of lung cells.
The other category is small cell lung cancer, accounting for approximately 10%-15% of lung cancer cases. This type tends to progress and metastasize more rapidly than non-small cell lung cancer.
There are two primary varieties of lung cancer, the most common being non-small cell lung cancer.
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2. Is lung cancer usually fatal?
Generally, lung cancer is considered a lethal disease.
The five-year survival rate for lung cancer patients is approximately 26.6%, according to the American Lung Association.
Early detection significantly improves survival rates, as the disease can become more advanced and difficult to treat if not identified promptly.
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In 2024, around 234,580 new lung cancer cases were documented in the United States, with approximately 125,070 resulting in death, as reported by the American Cancer Society.
3. How is lung cancer found?
Lung cancer is commonly detected through imaging techniques.
Methods such as chest X-rays or CT, MRI, and PET scans are often employed.
Lung cancer is generally detected using imaging technology. X-rays and MRIs are examples of how this type of cancer may be revealed.
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A CT scan enables doctors to identify existing lung tumors.
MRI scans are primarily employed to assess whether cancer has progressed to other areas of the body.
These imaging methods assist physicians in identifying cancer, evaluating its spread, and determining the efficacy of various treatment strategies.
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4. What are the common signs of lung cancer?
There are numerous symptoms an individual might experience upon receiving a lung cancer diagnosis.
A persistent cough, which worsens over time, is the most typical symptom of lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Additional symptoms may include coughing up blood, chest pain, hoarseness, diminished appetite, unexplained weight loss, and shortness of breath.
A persistent cough is among the most significant indicators of lung cancer.
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Patients with lung cancer may also experience recurrent cases of bronchitis and pneumonia.
5. What treatments are available for lung cancer?
A variety of treatment options for lung cancer can be explored between a patient and their healthcare provider.
Possible treatments encompass surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, clinical trials, and targeted therapy, as per the American Lung Association.
The selection of treatment will heavily depend on the type of lung cancer—whether small cell or non-small cell—as well as the severity of the case.
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Each treatment option may come with its unique set of potential side effects.
6. What are the biggest risk factors for lung cancer?
A variety of contributors can heighten the risk of developing lung cancer.
Unquestionably, the primary risk factor for lung cancer is smoking, which is linked to approximately 80% of lung cancer deaths, per the American Cancer Society.
The duration and frequency of smoking significantly contribute to the risk of lung cancer.
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The greater the amount and duration of smoking, the higher the risk.
Secondhand smoke, radon exposure—which is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas resulting from uranium decay in soil and rocks—are additional contributors.
Further risk factors include asbestos exposure, found in environments like mines, mills, textile factories, shipyards, and insulation sites, according to the American Cancer Association.
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Other influences encompass air pollution, prior radiation treatment to the lungs, and a family history of lung cancer.
