Get the facts on the leading cause of cancer death and how it relates to smoking.

During the Great American Smokeout this November, get the facts on lung cancer. The number one cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoking. The CDC reports that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and is also the second most diagnosed cancer in both men and women.

Smoking causes lung cancer.
There’s a direct, researched correlation between smoking and lung cancer. In fact, the CDC has seen that the rate of lung cancer has decreased slightly as smoking has decreased in the United States. If you smoke, quit today. Reach out to your family, friends and doctor. Take advantage of hotlines and therapies. It’s worth the investment in your health and lowering your risk of this deadly form of cancer.

Lung cancer is more likely to cause death as you age.
The median age of death from lung cancer is 72. Even if you are not elderly, you should be aware of the risks of this type of cancer and you should lower your risk by quitting smoking.

There are many symptoms of lung cancer.
As with many cancers, it can be hard to pin down the exact symptoms of lung cancer. Some people experience many symptoms while others experience very few until the cancer has metastasized and affected other parts of the body. Many symptoms of lung cancer are respiratory, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, a persistent cough, chest pain and frequent chest infections. Other patients may feel constant fatigue and a general sense of being unwell.

If you are concerned that you may have lung cancer or other complications of smoking, talk to your doctor today. Lawnwood Regional Medical Center is here to provide answers to your health questions and concerns. Visit our online health library for inquiries or call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-446-6956 for questions or a physician referral.

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