Medical Moment

FIND A PHYSICIAN        

Monthly Features About Medical Moment Find a Physician Archive Calendar Clinical Research Studies
   
Print this Story E-Mail this Story
 

Lung Cancer Overview

National Cancer Institute and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Posted: Sept. 1, 2008

Lung cancer forms in tissues of the lung, usually in the cells lining air passages. More people die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer.

The two main types are small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. These types are diagnosed based on how the cells look under a microscope.

  • Small cell lung cancer: About 13% of lung cancers are small cell lung cancers. This type tends to spread quickly.
  • Non-small cell lung cancer: Most lung cancers (about 87%) are non-small cell lung cancers. This type spreads more slowly than small cell lung cancer.

There may be several ways to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer:
Don't smoke
Tobacco use is the major cause of lung cancer in the United States. About 90% of lung cancer deaths in men in this country are due to smoking. The most important thing a man can do to prevent lung cancer is to not start smoking, or to quit if he currently smokes.

Avoid secondhand smoke
Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their lung cancer risk by 20% to 30%.

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables may help protect against lung cancer.


Source: National Cancer Institute and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


We Have Answers
Do you have medical questions or need help finding a doctor? The experts at Columbia St.Mary’s can help. Click here.