November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that Lung cancer is the leading cancer death for both men and women in the United States? Each year, more people die from lung cancer than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined, according to the American Cancer Society. Lung cancer typically occurs in older adults. In fact, most people diagnosed with lung cancer are aged 65 or older. There is, however, a small number of people who are diagnosed younger than 45 years old.
Risk Factors
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and is responsible for 80 percent of lung cancer deaths. Secondhand smoke can also cause lung cancer in individuals who have never smoked and account for about 20 percent of lung cancer deaths. Other risk factors include exposure to radon gas, air pollution, radiation, diesel exhaust and family history and genetics.
Symptoms
See your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Blood when you cough or spit
Recurring respiratory infections
Enduring cough that is new or different
Ache or pain in shoulder, back, or chest
Trouble breathing
Hoarseness or wheezing
Exhaustion, weakness, or loss of appetite
Lung Cancer Screening
Screening for Lung Cancer is recommended for adults who are at high risk for developing the disease due to smoking history and age. These individuals have a 20 pack year or more smoking history, smoke now or have quit in the past 15 years, and are 50-80 years of age. The most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to not to smoke or quit smoking if you do.
For help quitting, visit smokefree.gov, call 1 (800) QUIT-NOW (784-8669), or text "QUIT" to 47848. It's never too late to quit!
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