Still a leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women, lung cancer is a slowly accelerating disease which often takes 20 to 30 years to develop. Smoking accounts for 87% of lung cancer cases.

Risk Factors

• Use of tobacco
• Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke
• Exposure to radon, asbestos, arsenic, and general air pollution

Symptoms

• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarseness
• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss

To reduce your risk

• Stop smoking
• Make your home smoke free
• Avoid exposure to asbestos, radon, and arsenic

Most of the risk factors can be controlled. If you are exposed to radon, asbestos, arsenic and other pollutants through your job, be sure to take all possible safety precautions. Making your doctor aware of your exposure and asking proactively for the testing should help to keep you cancer free. If you notice persistent symptoms, call your healthcare provider at once.