Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Lung cancer carries with it a stigma. Many people who learn of someone being diagnosed with this type of cancer assume that it was caused by smoking and think that the person “caused” it to occur.
Being addicted to cigarettes is the major cause of lung cancer. About 85% of people with lung cancer are or have been smokers. But there are other risks and causes. Some of these are exposure to radon, asbestos, pollution and secondhand smoke.
Early detection in lung cancer is important as it can mean saving a life. Most of the symptoms of the early stages of this disease sound like the common cold, so it is difficult for doctors to start the diagnosis process. Also some forms of this cancer are not detectable until it is in the late stages.
The Lung Cancer Alliance proposes that…
in order to ensure the most rapid and responsible dissemination of this potential benefit, screening for lung cancer in high risk populations, LCA recommends that the following people have a detailed discussion with their physician regarding the potential risks and benefits of undergoing a baseline CT scan:
- Any smoker or former smoker over age 50 with a greater than 10 pack year history of cigarette smoking. (A pack year is equal to one pack a day for one year);
- Any adult with significant exposure to cigarettes and a first degree relative (mother, father, sister, brother, son or daughter) who was diagnosed with lung cancer before age 50.
- The following groups should also consider a discussion about screening with their doctors:
- Veterans who had active duty on submarines, in Vietnam or the Gulf War, and had exposure to asbestos, nuclear propulsion, herbicides, battlefield emissions or other carcinogens;
- Past and present employees in munitions plants (who may already be eligible for free screening under the Department of Energy’s Worker Health Protection Program);
- People exposed regularly to second-hand smoke (i.e. airline personnel, hospitality industry workers), or radon, or those working with asbestos or other known carcinogens.
The most important thing anyone can do to reduce their risk of lung cancer is to stop smoking. The American Cancer Society has information on doing just that. If you fall into any of the other categories above, speak to your doctor about early screening. It may just save your life.
Some of the statistics and facts about Lung Cancer were found at Lung Cancer.org and the Lung Cancer Alliance. Please visit these sites to learn more and to find out how to make donations or volunteer.
