Lung Cancer Facts

The lungs are a pair of sponge-like organs that work with the ribs and chest muscles to move air in and out of the body, bringing in oxygen (energy) and getting rid of carbon dioxide (waste).

Smokers and Ex-Smokers

If you suspect that you might have or may develop lung cancer, you should know about SCCA's Low-Dose CT Screening Program for smokers and ex-smokers who qualify. Learn more about the program here.

Lung cancer takes years to develop. It results from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These cancer cells form lumps and disrupt the lungs, the breathing tubes (bronchi) or both, at times interfering with their normal function. Unfortunately, lung cancer is often not discovered until it has spread (metastasized) throughout the body. Sometimes, however, lung cancer is detected earlier through a chest X-ray or other exam that has been conducted for an unrelated reason.

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. It accounts for a third of all cancer deaths in our country. Each year, more Americans die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. Since the year 1984, lung cancer has killed more American women yearly than breast cancer. Close to 90 percent of lung cancers are smoking related.

Listen to the latest news, issues and breakthroughs in lung cancer research and treatment presented by Seattle Cancer Care Alliance expert physicians on the Patient Power Radio Show.

Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening

In August 2011 the National Cancer Institute released results of the National Lung Screening Trial testing low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening among those at high risk for lung cancer. Read more about the study results here.

Suspected or Newly Diagnosed Lung Cancer

Where you're diagnosed first can make a big difference in your outcome. Read the information in this section about our Lung Cancer Early Detection & Prevention Clinic.

Symptoms, Diagnosis & Risk Factors

Learn more are the common symptoms and risk factors for lung cancer and how it is diagnosed.

Types and Stages

Lung cancer is a complicated disease. Learn more about the types and stages of lung cancer.