More men and women die of lung cancer than any other type of cancer in the United States. In recent years, more women have died each year of lung cancer than even breast cancer. This is because more women now smoke cigarettes.

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer include persistent cough, sputum streaked with blood, and chest pain. Recurring pneumonia or bronchitis may also be a sign.

Cigarette smoking is by far the most important preventable cause of lung cancer. Tobacco is linked to 87 percent of all cases. Other factors include exposure to:
* industrial substances, such as chemicals and asbestos,
* radiation exposure from occupational, medical, and environmental sources,
* air pollution,
* tuberculosis, and
* radon exposure.

The risk from these factors is also increased in cigarette smokers. Second-hand tobacco smoke causes higher risk for nonsmokers. In smokers who stop smoking, damaged lung tissue and cancer risk may return to near normal.

It is hard to detect lung cancer in its early stages. Chest X-rays and analysis of cancer cells in the sputum are usually done first if there is a suspicion of cancer. These tests are not used without symptoms. Fiberoptic examination (looking through a flexible scope into the lung) , and biopsy helps to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatments depend upon the type and stage of the cancer. Options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. For localized cancers, surgery is usually chosen. Since the disease has often spread by the time it is discovered, radiation and chemotherapy are often used in combination with surgery.

There are usually no symptoms with early lung cancer. There are no effective methods for screening for early tumors, either. Because of this, the five year survival from lung cancer is only 13 percent.

Prevention of the disease is crucial. If you smoke, you can lower your risk of developing lung cancer by stopping smoking right now. There are many ways to stop smoking. Ask your health care provider for information on the various methods available. She or he might also recommend one of the many local quit smoking programs. To learn more about lung cancer, call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER. To learn more about stopping smoking, call your local American Lung Association.

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