Relevant Information About Lung Cancer

According to LungCancer.org, lung cancer is the growth of abnormal cells that originate in the lungs. These cells grow and spread, forming tumors that impair the primary function of the lungs: providing oxygen to the body. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death and claims the lives of nearly 3 million people each year, says LungCancer.org.

Symptoms

• Lung cancer can take many years to develop and may not cause symptoms until the disease is more advanced, advises LungCancer.org. Some of the symptoms of lung cancer include persistent coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath and coughing up blood. Lung cancer generally appears in older adults, with the average person being diagnosed at 69 years old.

Causes

• LungCancer.org reports that the primary cause of lung cancer is smoking. Other factors that increase the chances of lung cancer include asbestos, radon, air pollution, tuberculosis and exposure to second-hand smoke. A person's genetic makeup can also increase the chance of developing lung cancer and make her more susceptible to the disease.

Prevention

• LungCancer.org advocates the avoidance of smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke to help prevent lung cancer. It is also important for those who are at risk for developing lung cancer to be regularly screened.

Treatment

• Lung cancer treatment will vary depending on the specific diagnosis of the patient, says LungCancer.com. Physicians usually choose surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of the three for treating lung cancer.

Time Frame

• LungCancer.org reports that almost 60 percent of people with lung cancer will die within one year of being diagnosed. How long a patient will survive with lung cancer will vary depending on a number of factors including the patient's age and overall health, response to treatments and whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. The patient's survival rate increases the earlier lung cancer is detected.