What is lung cancer , and what causes it ?
Cancer occurs when cells in one ’ s body grow uncontrollably . Lung cancer is when that happens in the lungs , specifically , though lung cancer can metastasize , or spread to other parts of the body .
One of the most common risk factors for lung cancer is smoking , but it ’ s not just smokers who get the disease . Exposure to secondhand smoke , air pollution , radon , a naturally occurring radioactive gas and asbestos , a fire retardant used in manufacturing , are all factors that have been linked to lung cancer . Lung cancer is typically not genetically inherited .
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer and it is the cancer people are most likely to die from , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . In general , the rate of new lung cancers is decreasing , according to the American Cancer Society ( ACS ), mainly because people are smoking less , or not starting at all .
What are the symptoms of lung cancer ?
Lung cancer can be difficult to detect because often there are few symptoms in the early stages . However , there are some signs of lung cancer that you should be aware of , according to the CDC .
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Coughing that gets worse or doesn ’ t go away Shortness of breath or wheezing Coughing up blood Chest pain Fatigue Weight loss with no known cause
One unusual symptom that is also linked to lung cancer is having swollen or bigger fingers , as well as shiny skin next to the fingernail and nails beginning to curve downwards like a spoon . This is called “ finger clubbing ,” and while it ’ s not always connected to cancer , many cases of this are linked to lung cancer .
What to know about lung cancer detection
The average age of someone receiving a lung cancer diagnosis is 70 ; however , that may be due to their prolonged exposure to risk factors , according to Mayo Clinic pulmonologist John Costello , who spoke to the Independent about the disease . Most people get lung cancer in their 60s and 70s , but it ’ s possible for younger people to get such diagnoses : recently actress Kate Micucci , star of The Big Bang Theory , revealed she had cancer surgery at age 43 .
New guidelines from the ACS released in 2023 are helping more people discover the disease before it progresses . Now individuals ages 50 to 80 who are either current smokers or former