Lung Cancer
The facts:
- At least 15% of smokers will develop lung cancer.
- Cigarette smoking caused at least 79% of all lung cancer deaths in 1991.
- Women are twice as likely to develop lung cancer from cigarette smoking as men are.
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women.
- In 2000, the American Cancer Society estimates:
- 4,200 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed among men and women in Georgia.
- 164,100 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed among men and women in the United States. 74,600 of these new cases will be women.
- 4,000 men and women will die of lung cancer in Georgia.
- 156,900 men and women will die from lung cancer in the United States. 67,600 of these deaths will be women.
- More women will die of lung cancer in 2000 than in previous years.
Risk factors:
- Being a former smoker
- Previous lung disease
- Diesel fuel exposure
- Asbestos exposure
- Second-hand smoke
- Radon exposure
- Family history
- Smoking
- Age
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
- Cough that doesn't go away
- Chest pain, often made worse by deep breathing
- Hoarseness
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Fever without a known reason
- Bloody or rust-colored spit or phlegm
- New onset of wheezing
- Recurring infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, Vital Statistics data, Underlying Causes of Death, 1992-1996.
This information is being provided as a source of education and information and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. The OWH recommends consultation with your doctor or healthcare professional.