November: Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Newsymom and the Tuscarawas County health department want to take this opportunity to spread awareness about the most common cause of cancer related death.  

What is Lung Cancer? 

Lung cancer is a cancer that forms in the tissues of the lungs and is the most common cause of cancer related death in the United States. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 234,580 patients will receive a diagnosis of lung cancer in the United States in 2024. 

There are two main forms of lung cancer…

• Non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). This is the most common being, accounting for about 80% of diagnosed cases.
• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)  accounts for only 10%-15%, but is the most aggressive. Devastatingly, only about 5%-10% of patients diagnosed with SCLC are alive five years after their diagnosis.

Risk Factors

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. According to experts, cigarette smoke contributes to 80%-90% of lung cancer deaths. If you or someone you know is struggling to quit tobacco use, visit the Tuscarawas County Health Department’s tobacco use prevention page for more resources.

A few other risk factors include exposure to radon and other harmful substances (such as asbestos, arsenic, soot and tar) as well as family history. 

Symptoms and Early Detection

Some of the most common symptoms of lung cancer include.. 

• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic fatigue

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, ask your healthcare provider if a lung cancer screening is recommended for you. If you do not have a primary care provider, the Tuscarawas County Health Department welcomes new patients to call 330-343-5555, ext. 1810 to make an appointment.

Source: https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/lung-cancer-awareness-month/