Lung Cancer Awareness
Lung Cancer, the Number One Cancer Killer
Risk Factors
Research has found several causes and risk factors for lung cancer. A risk factor is anything that changes the chance of getting a disease. Lung cancer risk factors include—
- Smoking.
- Secondhand smoke from other people's cigarettes.
- Radon gas in the home.
- Things around home or work, including asbestos, ionizing radiation, and other cancer-causing substances.
- Medical exposure to radiation to the chest.
- Chronic lung disease such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
- Increased age.
Prevention
- Don't smoke. If you do smoke, quit now.
- Avoid secondhand smoke.
- Have your home tested for radon and take corrective actions if high levels are found.
- Be aware of your exposure to radiation from medical imaging. Ask your doctor about the need for medical tests that involve images of the chest.
- Follow health and safety guidelines in the workplace when working with toxic materials.
- Avoid diesel exhaust and other harmful air pollutants.
CDC helps support a national network of quitlines that makes free "quit smoking" support available by telephone to smokers anywhere in the United States. The toll-free number is 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669), or visit smokefree.gov
Symptoms
Different people have different symptoms for lung cancer. Some people don't have any symptoms at all when first diagnosed with lung cancer. Lung cancer symptoms can be due to the direct effect of growth of cancer cells in the lung, or due to the effect of cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body. Lung cancer symptoms due to growth of cancer cells in the lung may include—
- Shortness of breath.
- Coughing that doesn't go away.
- Wheezing.
- Coughing up blood.
- Chest pain.
- Repeated respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
These symptoms can happen with other illnesses, too. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms that concern you.
Treatment
People with lung cancer may want to take part in a clinical trial. Clinical trials study new potential treatment options. Learn more about clinical trials
Survivors
People who have been treated for lung cancer may continue to have symptoms caused by the cancer or by cancer treatments (side effects). People who want information about symptoms and side effects should talk to their doctors. Doctors can help answer questions and make a plan to control symptoms.
For more information about symptoms and side effects, visit the National Cancer Institute's Coping with Cancer
For information about finding or providing support for people with lung cancer and their caregivers, visit CDC's Cancer Survivorship.
More Information
- Lung Cancer
- Smoking and Tobacco Use
- Smokefree.gov
- Lung Cancer (National Cancer Institute)
- Radon (Environmental Protection Agency)
- Cáncer de pulmón
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