![]() Up to a quarter of lung cancer tumors carry a genetic mutation-a genomic “glitch” that is driving the cancer’s growth-that may be targeted with available medications. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for around 10% to 15% of all lung cancers and very rarely develops in someone who has not smoked. This is an uncommon type of lung cancer, accounting for less than 10% of cases This is more commonly linked to a history of smoking. This is the most common subtype of cancer, but also much more common in people who never smoked, younger patients, and women. About 80% to 85% of lung cancer diagnoses are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and there are 3 main subtypes:Īdenocarcinoma. There are different kinds of lung cancer. Lung cancer screening is recommended for people who meet these criteria:Īt least a 30 pack-year smoking history (1 pack-year is the same as smoking 1 pack of cigarettes every day for an entire year) ![]() In these individuals, the benefits of early detection outweigh the risks of potential false positives. ![]() ![]() Because CT scans can also give “false-positive” results-by mistaking scar tissue or noncancerous lumps for cancer-they’re recommended only for people at high risk. In fact, the National Lung Screening Trial found a 20% reduction in deaths from lung cancer among current or former heavy smokers who were screened with low-dose spiral CT, compared to those screened with a chest X-ray. Screening with low-dose spiral computed tomography (CT) scan has been proven to reduce lung cancer deaths in people at high risk for lung cancer. Cure rates drop dramatically as the tumor becomes more advanced and involves lymph nodes or other parts of the body. For patients who have small, early-stage lung cancer, the cure rate can be as high as 80% to 90%. As with many other cancers, a key to surviving lung cancer is catching it in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable. Screening for lung cancer can save lives. Shortness of breath or you are more easily winded 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: Lung cancer may not produce noticeable symptoms in the early stages, and many people aren’t diagnosed until the disease has advanced. Symptoms of lung cancer can be nonspecific. In fact, up to 30,000 Americans who have never smoked get lung cancer every year. 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. This is what everyone should know about lung cancer.Īnyone can get lung cancer. Despite these astonishing numbers, many people know very little about this disease. In fact, it claims more than 150,000 American lives every year. Lung cancer is responsible for more cancer deaths than any other cancer in men and women. She also serves as Associate Vice Chair for Clinical Research in the Department of Medicine and is the 2021 Cancer.Net Editor in Chief. ![]() Patel is the Medical Director of Thoracic Oncology and Assistant Director for Clinical Research at the Lurie Cancer Center of Northwestern University. ![]()
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