Lung Cancer symptoms often don’t show until the disease has already progressed to its later stages. That’s one of the major reasons why lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women in the United States.
“The lungs are large organs, so it can take time for the signs of something like cancer to become obvious or to cause issues,” said SSM Health General Surgeon Dr. Mark McDade.
November, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, is the perfect time to speak with your primary care provider about your risk for lung cancer, and to determine if lung cancer screening is appropriate.
Lung cancer risk factors include:
- History of smoking (approximately 90% of cases)
- Exposure to asbestos and other hazardous materials and chemicals
- Exposure to radon gas
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Family history of lung cancer
The symptoms of lung cancer can differ for each individual. “Some present with extreme fatigue, while others might have a persistent cough,” Dr. McDade said. Additional symptoms include trouble breathing, shortness of breath, discomfort in the chest (and surrounding areas), coughing up mucus or phlegm, and coughing up blood.
Depending on your medical history, age, and other risk factors, you may be encouraged to undergo a lung cancer screening.
“Early detection saves lives, and a lung cancer screening can help to find the disease while it is still in a treatable stage,” McDade said.
To learn more about your risk for lung cancer, please take this free Lung Cancer Risk Assessment .
If you have any immediate concerns, please reach out to your primary care provider.
