Lung Cancer

The Facts

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in men and women in the U.S. Experts estimate 215,020 new cases of lung cancer in 2008, 114,690 cases in men and 100,330 cases in women. 161,840 Americans are expected to die of the disease, 90,810 men and 71,030 women. Lung cancer occurs most often between the ages of 55 and 65. There are two major types of lung cancer --- non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Each type of lung cancer grows and spreads in different ways, and each is treated differently.

Who is at Risk?

Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. The good news is that smoking is not as popular as it used to be. In 1965 about 42% of all adults smoked, but by 2008 only 21% did. The bad news is that smoking by young adults actually increased by 73% in the 1990's but has shown a downturn or leveling off in the past few years.

Other risk factors include:

• Using smokeless tobacco
• Being exposed regularly to secondhand smoke
• Exposure to radon
• Exposure to asbestos and other cancer causing agents in the workplace or the environment.

The Best Defense: Prevention and Detection

We know that the best way to prevent lung cancer is to quit or never start smoking. The sooner a person quits smoking the better. Secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer in non-smokers. You should find out about cancer causing chemicals you may be exposed to at work or at home and take the appropriate protective measures. Asbestos workers should use the protective equipment provided by their employers and follow recommended work practices and safety procedures. If you live in an area where natural uranium deposits in soil release radon gas, you may want to consider testing radon levels in your home.
Each U.S. state has a free quit line to provide you with information and resources to help you quit smoking. To reach the quit line in your area, dial:

1-800-QUIT-NOW.

 

St. Joseph's Hospital and Health Center
Southwest Healthcare Services
West River Health Services
ND Department of Health
ND Cancer Coalition
North Dakota Cancer Coalition
Go Red ND
American Heart Association
MyPyramid.gov
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
American Institute for Cancer Research
Kids a Cookin'