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Lung Cancer Information

What is Lung Cancer? Prevention
Before you can launch an effective battle against lung cancer, it’s important to understand some basics.  In this section, you’ll find answers that help you move forward with a solid grounding in the facts, including information about: Studies show that tobacco use is the leading cause of lung cancer. Smoking and chewing tobacco have been definitively linked to lung cancer, as well as to cancer of the mouth. About 1 in every 4 adults smokes cigarettes, significantly increasing the risk of lung cancer in these people. Even secondhand tobacco smoke is a risk factor for lung cancer. The most important prevention measure is to not use any tobacco. If you do use tobacco, you can reduce your risk for lung cancer by quitting. Former smokers will still have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than nonsmokers even years after quitting smoking. The benefit of quitting smoking is greater if it occurs at a young age. 
Risk Factors Treatment
The following risk factors increase the chance of developing Lung Cancer:
  • Smoking: Tobacco smoke causes more than 8 out of 10 cases of lung cancer.
     
  • Asbestos: People who work with asbestos have a higher risk of getting lung cancer.
     
  • Radon exposure: A radioactive gas made by the natural breakdown of uranium.
     
  • Cancer-causing agents in the workplace: These include uranium, arsenic, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, chloromethyl ethers, gasoline, and diesel exhaust
     
  • Marijuana: Many of the cancer-causing substances in tobacco are also found in marijuana.
     
  • Other diseases: Tuberculosis (TB) and some types of pneumonia often leave scars on the lung, which can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
     
  • Personal and family history of lung cancer
     
  • Diet: Some reports suggest that a diet low in fruits and vegetables might increase the risk of lung cancer in people who are exposed to tobacco smoke. Evidence suggests that fruits and vegetables may offer protection against lung cancer.
     
  • Gender: Several studies have shown that the lung cells of women are more likely to develop cancer when exposed to tobacco smoke.
     
  • Air pollution: In some cities, air pollution may slightly increase the risk of lung cancer. But the risk is still far less than that caused by smoking.
In recent years, there's been an explosion of life-saving treatment advances against breast cancer, bringing new hope and excitement. Instead of only one or two options, today there's an overwhelming menu of treatment choices that fight the complex mix of cells in each individual cancer.
Additional Resources Classes
View the many classes that Southern Regional offers on cancer.
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