The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be over 130,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States this year.
World Lung Cancer Day, Aug. 1, is the perfect opportunity to honor those lost, and to learn more about the disease.
“Smoking cessation programs have already led to reduced lung cancer cases, by helping people of all ages to quit smoking, and we have also made many advances in treatment of lung cancer,” said Dr. Richard Auchter, an SSM Health physician. “But it is still better to prevent a lung cancer in the first place than to have to treat it.”
Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lung become abnormal and reproduce. Due to the large size of the lungs, cancerous tumors can grow and often go undetected for many years.
Risk factors include:
- History of smoking
- Exposure to asbestos and other hazardous materials and chemicals
- Exposure to radon gas
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Family history of lung cancer
Symptoms include:
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Persistent cough
- Trouble breathing and shortness of breath
- Discomfort in the chest and surrounding areas
- Coughing up mucus or phlegm
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
Depending on your medical history, age, and other risk factors, your primary care provider may encourage you to undergo a lung cancer screening.
“These screenings are so important for individuals who are at high risk for lung cancer,” Dr. Auchter said. “Early detection and treatment are vital.”
To learn more about your risk for Lung Cancer, please take the free Lung Cancer Risk Assessment highlighted on this page under "What's Your Risk" (https://www.ssmhealth.com/cancer/lung-cancer). If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please reach out to your primary care provider.
