Facts About Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Smoking is the main cause, but other tobacco products, secondhand smoke, asbestos and radon exposure, and family history are additional causes… We summarize important lung cancer information here.

What Are Lung Cancer Symptoms?

• A worsening, persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Noisy breathing called rhonchi or wheezing
• Coughing up blood

Other diseases can also cause these complaints. If you have some of these symptoms, consult a doctor.

For Lung Cancer Symptoms and More Information:

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How Much Do You Know About Lung Cancer?

Question 1. Lung cancer occurs only in smokers.

• True
• False

Secondhand smoke is estimated to cause 21.400 lung cancer deaths worldwide each year. Radon, asbestos and arsenic exposure are also causes. Question 2. Women rarely develop lung cancer.

• True
• False

Women now smoke almost as heavily as men. In countries with increasing smoking, women are observed to start smoking more intensively. Women therefore now have lung cancer risks similar to men. Question 3. Quitting smoking reduces lung cancer risk even after many years of smoking.

• True
• False

Stopping tobacco may reduce lung cancer risk by more than 60%. However, risk remains higher than in never-smokers. Quitting reduces risk at every age. Question 4. If I develop lung cancer, I will notice immediately.

• True
• False

Symptoms vary between individuals. In many people, disease causes no complaints until advanced. Symptoms include a worsening persistent cough, chest pain, breathlessness, wheezing, coughing blood, persistent extreme fatigue and unexplained weight loss. Other diseases can cause them too. Consult a doctor if you have some of these symptoms. Question 5. Asbestos exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

• True
• False

Asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust, certain silica forms and chromium are substances potentially concentrated in workplaces that can cause lung cancer. However, radon exposure is the second leading cause in the United States and Europe. Radon from radioactive uranium decay occurs in soil and rocks at varying concentrations. Exposure occurs when it is trapped in mines and underground. In America, of every 15 homes, 1 is thought to have high radon. Homes are now tested and measures can reduce levels.

Tips for Preventing Lung Cancer

• If you smoke, quit. Consult your physician or call the Turkish Ministry of Health Alo 171 Smoking Cessation Counseling Line for help.
• Avoid smoke from cigarettes or hookahs.
• Have your home tested for radon.

If you are between 55 and 80, still smoke or quit within the last 15 years, and are a heavy smoker (for 30 years, 1 pack daily, or for 15 years, 2 packs daily), discuss the need for low-dose lung tomography, an effective early-detection screening method, with your physician.

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• Smoking cessation methods