5 Things You Didn't Know About Lung Cancer

This Patch article is sponsored by Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Lung cancer is the second most prevalent form of cancer in the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society, it's also by far the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. August 1 is World Lung Cancer Day, and there has never been a better time to educate yourself about the causes and minimize your risk of this disease.

The single best thing you can do to reduce your risk for lung cancer is to stop smoking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates cigarette smoking is linked to 80 to 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths.

Non-smokers can also be susceptible to this deadly disease, which is why it's so important to familiarize yourself with the risk factors and know how to recognize symptoms. With that said, here are five things you probably didn't know about lung cancer that you most certainly should:

#1. Lung cancer isn't only caused by smoking cigarettes.

While using tobacco products like cigars or pipes increases your risk for lung cancer, exposure to secondhand smoke also greatly increases your risk. According to the CDC, about 7,300 non-smokers die from lung cancer due to secondhand smoke every year.

Smokeless nicotine delivery tools might not have the same well-documented history as cigarettes, but the use of e-cigarettes might also pose a risk. While they are often advertised as safe alternatives to smoking, these are often loaded with addictive nicotine and toxic chemicals.

#2. Exposure to chemicals can cause lung cancer.

Exposure to radon, asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust and some forms of silica and chromium can also increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Avoid these cancer-causing chemicals in the workplace and elsewhere when possible.

People who have had radiation therapy to their lungs or those with a personal family history of the disease are also at a higher risk for lung cancer, especially if they smoke.

#3. Lung cancer can have different symptoms.

Different people have different symptoms, and sometimes people with lung cancer don’t show any symptoms at all. Unfortunately, most people will not show any symptoms until the lung cancer is advanced. If you do show symptoms, these may include:

• Coughing that gets worse over time and doesn't go away
• Constant arm, chest and shoulder pain
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Recurring episodes of pneumonia or bronchitis
• Coughing up blood or rust colored phlegm
• Swelling of the neck and face
• Feeling tired or weak
• Widening of fingertips and nail beds
• Loss of appetite and weight loss

Some people with lung cancer may just have general symptoms of feeling unwell. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor.

#4. High-risk individuals can be screened for lung cancer.

Currently, lung cancer screening is only recommended for older adults who are at high risk. While this doesn’t mean you certainly will get lung cancer, you should get screened if you:

• Are a current smoker (or former smoker who quit in the past 15 years)
• Have a 30 pack-year smoking history

Doctors are able to do a yearly low-dose computerized tomography (LDCT) scan of the lungs to look for the disease. The earlier lung cancer is detected, the more likely it is to be cured with treatment.

#5. Treatment for lung cancer comes in many forms.

Treatment for lung cancer will vary based upon the type and stage of lung cancer and the person's overall health. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapy are often used. If you or a loved one is facing this disease, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center offers customized, comprehensive and compassionate care. While the cancer center provides care for all types of cancers, lung cancer is one of their primary focuses.

Why choose Banner MD Anderson for treatment? Their cancer experts include medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, physician specialists, nurses and clinical support staff.

Clinical nurse navigators work closely with every patient, guiding them through their first visit and serving as a single point of contact throughout every stage of their care. Each patient also has an entire team of Banner MD Anderson experts who understand the nuances of each type of cancer and work together to develop treatment plans based on each patient's unique needs.

Learn More about Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center