What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a growth on the lung of abnormal and uncontrolled cells. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney cancer and melanoma combined do not equal the number of Lung Cancer deaths.
What causes Lung Cancer?
There are several things that can lead to Lung Cancer. The main causes include: smoking, second hand smoke, radon or asbestos exposure and air pollution. Genetics also play a role in who may get it as well. Smoking increases your chances – 85% of all those with Lung Cancer are smokers or have smoked. The more you smoke the higher are the chances of getting Lung Cancer.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can range from none to severe. Call your Physician if you have a cough that is getting worse or doesn’t go away, have shortness of breath, coughing up blood, have pains in your chest, are losing weight, feel tired all the time, have frequent infections in your lungs or swelling in your face and arms.
What do I do if I have these symptoms?
If you have the symptoms listed above ask your Primary Care Physician to order further testing. This is done by a chest X-ray, CT scan of the chest, testing of your mucus and possibly a biopsy of your lungs to check for cancer cells in or around your lungs.
What is ‘high risk’ or ‘low risk’ Lung Cancer?
If you have these symptoms and have a family history of Lung Cancer you are considered ‘high risk’ for Lung Cancer. You should be tested for Lung Cancer. If you have no symptoms and no family history of Lung Cancer you are considered ‘low risk’ and no testing is necessary.
What are the types of Lung Cancer?
There are two types of Lung Cancer; small cell Lung cancer and non-small cell Lung Cancer. Small cell Lung Cancer usually grows faster than non-small cell Lung Cancer.
What is the treatment of Lung Cancer?
Depending on the type and severity of your diagnosis it may be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of these. A new type of drug treatment called Targeted Therapy is being used to target the specific cancer and prevent it from growing. We work with you for the best treatment possible for your specific cancer. We are always researching the latest treatments available.
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