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).

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.

Symptoms, Diagnosis & Risk Factors

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

Types and Stages

Here are the types and stages of lung cancer.