Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. Lung cancer is also the most preventable cancer, since most cases are related to tobacco use.

• What is Lung Cancer?
• Risk Factors
• Symptoms
• Common Screenings and Tests
• Treatment Options
• Further Reading on Lung Cancer

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lung start to grow rapidly in an uncontrolled manner.
Lung cancer overview
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Risk Factors

According to the American Cancer Society, smoking is by far the greatest risk factor for developing lung cancer.

Other risk factors include being exposed to second-hand smoke and being exposed to cancer-causing agents in the work place or in the environment.
Causes of lung cancer
What increases your risk
Exposure to abestos
Exposure to radon
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Symptoms

Early stages of lung cancer may have no symptoms. Some symptoms may include:

• Cough that does not go away or gets worse over time
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Coughing up blood
• Fever without a known reason
• Repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis

These may also be warning signs of less serious illnesses, so please discuss these with your doctor.
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Common Screenings and Tests

Exams and tests
Medical history and physical exam
Chest X-ray
CT scan
Bronchoscopy
Lung biopsy
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Treatment Options

Treatment overview
Lung surgery
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy

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Further Reading on Lung Cancer

Emotional reactions to a diagnosis of lung cancer

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