Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is cancer that forms in the lungs. The lungs are the organs we use to breathe. Lung cancer often starts in the airways (or bronchi) or small air sacs (alveoli).
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among New Yorkers. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths in New York State. Each year over 13,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer and about 7,000 die from this disease. In New York State, lung cancer death rates among males and females have been declining since 1995, but the decline among females has been slower.
Lung cancer screening is recommended for adults who are at high risk. Lung cancer screening cannot prevent lung cancer, but it can find it early when it may be easier to treat. The screening test for lung cancer is low-dose computed tomography (also called low-dose CT scan or LDCT). Talk with your health care provider to find out if this test is right for you.
Who gets lung cancer?
Lung cancer mainly occurs in older people. Most people diagnosed with lung cancer are 65 or older.
Non-Hispanic White people have higher lung cancer rates than those of other racial or ethnic groups.
Lung Cancer Risk Factors
Certain factors increase a person's risk of developing lung cancer. These risk factors include:
- Smoking. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Although it is preventable, smoking is highly addictive, and quitting is difficult. Not all people who get lung cancer are smokers. Research studies show that exposure to other people's cigarettes (secondhand smoke) also increases a person's risk of getting lung cancer. In the United States, cigarette smoking is linked to about 80% of lung cancers and lung cancer deaths.
- Radon gas. Exposure to radon gas has been estimated to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is higher in people who smoke.
- Asbestos in the workplace. People exposed to high levels of asbestos on the job, such as shipbuilders and pipefitters, have an increased risk of lung cancer. This risk is increased even more in workers who smoke.
- Ionizing Radiation. Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation, such as radiation treatments for other cancers, increases risk for getting lung cancer.
- Personal history. People who have had lung cancer are at increased risk of developing lung cancer again.
- Family history. People with a close relative who had lung cancer may have an increased risk for the disease, even if they do not smoke.
- Other lung diseases. People with a history of certain other diseases of the lung, such as tuberculosis (TB), are at increased risk of developing lung cancer.
- Other workplace exposures. Other chemicals or substances that may be found at high levels in certain workplaces have been identified as risk factors for lung cancer. These include arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, vinyl chloride, nickel compounds, chromium compounds, coal products, tars and soot, chloromethyl ethers and diesel exhaust.
Lowering Lung Cancer Risk
The following may help reduce the risk of developing lung cancer:
- Do not smoke. If you currently smoke, talk to your health care provider for help quitting. Medications and counseling double your chances of quitting successfully. Avoid exposure to second hand smoke. For more information on quitting smoking, visit the NYS Quitline at www.nysmokefree.com or call 1-866-NY-QUITS.
- Have your home tested for radon, especially if you live in a high radon area. If radon levels in your home are high, make the necessary modifications. For more information on radon visit Radon or call 1-800-458-1158.
- Be aware of workplace health and safety rules and follow them.
- Discuss the risks and benefits of medical imaging, such as CT scans, with your health care provider to avoid unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation.
- Be aware of your family history and discuss any concerns with your health care provider.
How else can I reduce my risk of cancer?
- Choose a healthy diet to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains and eat less red and processed meats (e.g., bacon, sausage, luncheon meats, hot dogs). These actions may reduce the risk of developing many types of cancer as well as other diseases.
- Exercise regularly.
- Talk with your health care provider about recommended cancer screenings.
