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Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths across the globe. In 2021, the Lung Cancer Research Foundation estimated 235,760 people would be diagnosed with the disease and that 1 in 16 would battle lung cancer in their lifetime.
The five-year survival rate for lung cancer patients is 56% if detected when still localized. Unfortunately, few cases are diagnosed early, and once cancer spreads, the survival rate drops down to 5%. Since lung cancer is a potentially fatal but treatable disease, researchers have sought ways to detect it earlier, when the chance for patients to recover is greater.
Risks
While we all know that smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer (80%), there are other causes, such as family history and exposure to:
- Air pollution
- Asbestos
- Diesel exhaust
- Metals like arsenic, chromium, cadmium
- Radiation
- Radon gas
- Secondhand smoke
Radon gas exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer overall but the leading cause among non-smokers. The EPA estimates radon is responsible for 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually, and nearly 3,000 of those people have never smoked. You can find a radon testing kit for your home through the EPA.
Symptoms and Screenings
Symptoms of lung cancer are:
- Bone pain
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Losing weight without trying
- A new, persistent cough that doesn’t go away
- Shortness of breath
If you suspect you might have lung cancer, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. Advances in lung cancer examinations can help your doctor determine your cancer stage and treatment options. According to the Mayo Clinic, tests might include:
- Biopsy – A sample of cells may be removed from the lungs or lymph nodes.
- Imagining – X-rays or CT scans can reveal abnormal masses or lesions in the lungs.
- Sputum cytology – If you have a productive cough, doctors can look at your sputum (a mix of saliva and mucus) under the microscope to determine if any cancer cells are present.
