What is Lung Cancer?

What is Lung Cancer?

• Lung cancer is a serious disease that occurs when harmful tumors grow and spread in the lungs.
• It happens when cells in the lungs get their jobs mixed up and create cells that hurt the body.
• Lung cancer can be caused by smoking tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke, asbestos, radon, and genetic reasons.

Causes of Lung Cancer

• The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking tobacco, responsible for about 90% of cases.
• Exposure to secondhand smoke increases the chance of getting lung cancer.
• Asbestos and radon are dangerous substances found in nature that can cause lung cancer.
• Genetic reasons, such as a family history of lung cancer, can increase the chance of getting it.

Signs of Lung Cancer

• Early signs of lung cancer may not always be present, but common symptoms include:
  • Hoarse voice
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Wheezing
  • Headache
  • Chest pain
  • Cough

Treatment Options for Lung Cancer

• Treatment options depend on the size and location of the tumor.
• Common treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
• Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancerous cells, but can cause side effects like sickness and hair loss.
• Radiation uses x-rays to shrink or remove the tumor, often recommended for early-stage cancer.
• Surgery involves removing or shrinking the tumor, and is sometimes offered as a treatment option.

Learn about the basics of lung cancer, cells, and tumors. Discover how cells work together to keep our body healthy and what happens when they go wrong.