Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. More individuals die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. In 2007, there will be more than 200 000 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed in the United States. About 6 of 10 individuals with lung cancer die within 1 year of their diagnosis. These cancers are generally categorized by cell type, such as small cell or nonosmall cell carcinomas. These categories are used for treatment decisions and determining prognosis (prospect of recovery). Currently there is no recommended screening test for lung cancer. The March 7, 2007, issue of JAMA includes an article about computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer.
Smoking—about 87% of lung cancers are related to smoking. The risk increases the longer you smoke and the more cigarettes you smoke each day. Secondhand smoke is also a risk factor
Exposure to substances such as arsenic, asbestos, radioactive dust, or radon
Radiation exposure from work, medical, or environmental sources
A family history of cancer
Grahic Jump Location
Although most lung cancers do not cause symptoms until cancer has spread, you should report any of the following symptoms to your doctor. Often these symptoms are caused by something other than cancer, but if lung cancer is found, early treatment may relieve symptoms and help you live longer. The most common symptoms are
Persistent cough
Coughing up blood
Chest pain
Hoarseness
Sudden onset of wheezing
Shortness of breath
Weight loss and loss of appetite
Recurrent respiratory infections, such as pneumonia
Fatigue
Thoracentesis—a sample of fluid from around the lungs to evaluate types of cells
Bronchoscopy—flexible camera to view the airway and take tissue samples
Computed tomography (CT) scan of the lungs to identify abnormal tissue masses
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan of the lungs to look for cancer cells
Bone scan to determine whether the cancer has spread to the bones
Many factors must be taken into account to determine the best treatment for an individual diagnosed with lung cancer. The specific type of cell, the location of the lung tumor, the stage of the disease with possible metastasis (spread to other parts of the body), and the general health of the individual must be considered. Various treatment plans may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or surgery.
American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/wyntk/lung
American Lung Associationhttp://www.lungusa.org
The Society of Thoracic Surgeonshttp://www.sts.org/sections/patientinformation/lungthoracicsurgery
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish. A previous Patient Page on lung cancer was published in the August 24/31, 2005, issue.
Sources: American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, Society of Thoracic Surgeons
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 203/259-8724.
TOPIC: CANCER
Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and Association With Material Stature
Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal
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