Facts About Lung Cancer
- 172,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005
- 163,000 Americans will die of lung cancer this year- equivalent to to the 9/11 attacks occurring 53 times in a year
- The average patient is diagnosed at around age 70, usually diagnosed with an advanced stage of lung cancer
- It is estimated that 50% of people diagnosed are smokers or former smokers who quits decades ago
- Lung cancer can occur in people who have never smoked
How to Prevent Lung Cancer
The best way to prevent lung cancer is to quit smoking if you smoke. This month, the American Cancer Society will host "The Great American Smokeout", a challenge to quit smoking. Need help kicking the habit, check out About's Smoking Cessation site. Take a look at "Top Ways To Prevent Lung Cancer" for other ways to prevent the disease.
What Causes Lung Cancer
The number one cause of lung cancer is smoking. However, lung cancer can occur in people who have never smoked or have very limited exposure to secondhand smoke. Researchers are working to find exact causes of the disease and have identified known risk factors for lung cancer. Risk factors for lung cancer include diet, alcohol use, exposure to carcinogens and more. Please see "Risk Factors for Lung Cancer" for more about the risk factors of lung cancer.
Basic Information You Need To Know About Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer Resources
About Cancer: Lung Cancer
Amercian Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
