Lung cancer is a common cancer of the respiratory system that occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the air passages of the lung. Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in both men and women.
The Numbers
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for lung cancer in the US for 2023 are:
- About 238,340 new cases of lung cancer (117,550 in men and 120,790 in women).
- About 127,070 deaths from lung cancer (67,160 in men and 59,910 in women).
- Most people diagnosed with lung cancer are 65 or older; a very small number of people diagnosed are younger than 45.
- Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths.
- Cases are starting to decrease due to the decline in smoking and the fact that people are not starting to smoke.
Risk Factors That Cannot Be Changed
- Prior radiation therapy to lungs
- Air pollution
- Family history of lunch cancer
Avoidable Risk Factors
- Smoking tobacco
- Secondhand smoke (3rd most common cause of lung cancer in the US)
- Exposure to Radon
- Exposure to asbestos
- Diesel Exhaust
Common Symptoms
- A cough that gets more severe over time.
- Chest pain.
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing.
- Fatigue.
- Frequent episodes of pneumonia and bronchitis.
- Hoarseness.
- Long-term cough.
- Weight loss.
Sauk Valley Screening Opportunities
- CGH – 815.625.0400 (ACR Designated Lung Screening Center)
American Cancer Society. (2019, October 1). Lung Cancer Risk Factors. Cancer.org; American Cancer Society . https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
Mayo Clinic (2018). Colon Cancer – Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic; Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669
Edward-Elmhurst Health. (2023). Eehealthlung.org. Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://eehealthlung.org/?placement=&target=&keyword=lung%20cancer%20symptoms&matchtype=p&hgcrm_channel=paid_search&hgcrm_source=google_adwords&hgcrm_agency=mh&hgcrm_campaignid=12927&hgcrm_tacticid=19281&hgcrm_trackingsetid=28240
