Lung cancer is the leading cause of death due to cancer in America, but the earlier lung cancer is identified and treated, the better the odds of survival. The challenge is in finding lung cancer in its early stage, which can be difficult because most lung cancers do not cause noticeable symptoms until the disease has spread to other parts of the body.
Being aware of risk factors that might predispose you to lung cancer, and knowing some of the common signs and symptoms of lung cancer can increase the odds of it being discovered at an earlier, and potentially more treatable, stage.
Common risk factors
- Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 80-90 percent of lung cancers deaths.
- Radon, a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil, is another cause of lung cancer, although this is relatively uncommon contributing to an estimated 20,000 lung cancer deaths annually.
- Inhalation of hazardous chemicals is also linked to lung cancer. Asbestos, uranium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel and some petroleum products are especially dangerous.
- Another risk factor is particle pollution: inhaling a mix of very tiny solid and liquid particles such as exhaust smoke.
Keep in mind that lung cancer can still develop even without these risk factors present. That is why recognizing symptoms are so critical.
Lung cancer signs and symptoms
Lung cancer can cause symptoms that are linked to breathing such as:
- A persistent or chronic cough that gets worse over time
- Hoarseness
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Frequent pneumonia or bronchitis
- Frequent lung infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
- Having blood in your sputum when you cough
Other symptoms more commonly appear after the lung cancer has spread. These include:
- Headaches
- Bone or back pain or fractures
- Swelling of the neck and face
- Appetite loss
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- New inability to control the bladder or bowel
- Seizure activity, specific weakness or numbness
- Unexplained clotting problems resulting in heart attack or stroke
If you are experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor about screening tests such as a sputum cytology or low-dose spiral CT scan. Visit our Recommended Screening for Lung Cancers on the Sarah Cannon website for more information.
Sources
American Lung Association: Understanding Lung Cancer, Knowing the Basics, General Smoking Facts , Radon