Information on Lung Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Symptoms

You may have just been diagnosed with lung cancer, or perhaps know someone who has. Or perhaps you've discovered you're at risk and want to know how to protect yourself. Either way, you're looking for information on lung cancer: what causes it, what its symptoms are, and how it's treated. And perhaps more importantly, you want information on lung cancer survival rates. This site provides you with basic information, as well as links to other sites that deal with specific aspects of treatment and diagnosis.

Lung Cancer Survival Rates and StatisticsLung cancer is responsible for approximately 28 percent of all cancer-related deaths: that's more than colorectal, breast and prostate cancers combined. Every year, over 164,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States, and over 150,000 Americans die of the disease annually. Most cases are diagnosed between the ages of 55 and 65.  Are you prepared to discuss lung cancer with your doctor?

Note that the number of yearly deaths almost equals the number of new cases. Symptoms do not appear until the disease is quite advanced. Lung cancer survival rates are very low due to its lack of 'early warning' symptoms, and a lack of appropriate screening mechanisms. While 41 percent of people survive for a year after diagnosis, the disease has an overall five-year survival rate of only thirteen percent. 

Smoking and Incidence RatesAn estimated 87 percent of all cases is directly linked to tobacco smoke. In comparison, the next leading cause, radon gas, only accounts for twelve percent of new diagnoses. 

Recent studies indicate that incidence rates are dropping in men and rising in women: a trend that coincides with fewer men and more women smoking. Without tobacco smoke as a factor, an estimated eighty to ninety percent of all cases could be avoided. 

Not smoking may not be enough to save you from the disease. Second-hand smoke can be just as deadly, causing over 3,000 deaths annually. 

Smoking Facts

Pipe and cigar smoke is almost as dangerous as cigarette smoke.
Over three million American teens smoke.
Cigarette smoke contains over forty known carcinogens.
25.7 percent of adult American men smoke.
21 percent of adult American   women smoke.