What You Need to Know About Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is responsible for more cancer deaths than any other cancer in men and women.
In fact, it claims more than 150,000 American lives every year. Despite these astonishing numbers, many people know very little about this disease. This is what everyone should know about lung cancer.
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Anyone can get lung cancer. In fact, 1 in 16 people in the United States will be diagnosed in their lifetime—that’s a new diagnosis every 150 seconds! And although smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer, almost two-thirds of all new diagnoses are in people who have never smoked or are former smokers. In fact, up to 30,000 Americans who have never smoked get lung cancer every year.
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Symptoms of lung cancer can be nonspecific. Lung cancer may not produce noticeable symptoms in the early stages, and many people aren’t diagnosed until the disease has advanced. But people who develop any of the following problems should see a health care provider who can evaluate these symptoms and develop a diagnostic plan:
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A new cough that does not go away
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Changes in a chronic cough
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Shortness of breath or you are more easily winded
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Pain in the chest area
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Persistent wheezing
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A raspy or hoarse voice
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Unplanned weight loss
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Bone pain
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Worsening headaches
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