[Posted Nov. 16, 2007]

Lung Cancer and Its Treatment 

Contribution by Jaimie Hunter, MPH 

     According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women living in the United States. African Americans are significantly more likely to die from this disease than are their Caucasian counterparts.  

What is lung cancer? 

     Lung cancer is any cancer that begins in the lungs. Cancers that develop in other parts of the body but metastasize (spread) to the lungs are not considered lung cancer.
    There are two types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The difference between these two types of cancer lies in the size of the cancer cells and the way they grow. Small cell lung cancer is usually much more aggressive (fast growing) and spreads to other parts of the body; it is frequently found in both lungs.  
       While tobacco smoking is the leading risk factor, other factors contributing to the development of this cancer include genetic susceptibility, family history, and environmental exposure to harmful substances.   
      Although smoking is a leading risk factor for lung cancer, people can also develop lung cancer from being around secondhand smoke. According to the CDC, approximately 3,000 people die each year from lung cancer that arises from exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke contains the same carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) and other toxic substances that are found in active (firsthand) cigarette smoking.  

Lung cancer treatment 

      People with lung cancer often receive more than one type of treatment. The treatment a patient can expect to receive with lung cancer depends on the type of lung cancer that person has as well as the stage at which it is diagnosed. Several treatment options are available for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
       Only a doctor can determine the best course of treatment for your individual case.  
        If the cancer is localized (i.e. it hasn’t spread beyond the lungs), surgery may be the treatment of choice. Chemotherapy may follow surgery, especially in the case of non-small cell lung cancer. However, according to the American Cancer Society, only 16% of lung cancer cases are detected at this early stage.
       For cases in which the disease has spread beyond the lungs, chemotherapy and radiation are frequently used together to treat it. These treatments may be provided with or without surgery.  

What’s the prognosis? 

      Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers that a person can develop. According to the American Cancer Society, the relative one-year survival rate for lung cancer is approximately 42%. However, five-year survival rates for all stages of lung cancer combined are only 15%; this means that only 15% of people with lung cancer will live for five years after their diagnosis. If the disease is detected while it is still localized, the survival rate may be as high as 50%. Still, as mentioned above, very few lung cancer cases are detected at this early stage.  
       It is therefore imperative that all individuals reduce their risk of developing lung cancer in the first place. This means quitting smoking (if applicable), avoiding secondhand smoke, minimizing occupational risk to dangerous substances like radon, and eating lots of fruits and vegetables.
       For more information about the Maya Angelou Research Center on Minority Health, please visit our website: http://www.wfubmc.edu/minorityhealth.  

       From now through December, the Angelou Research Center is offering a Target gift card to anyone who completes a brief survey providing feedback about the People’s Clinic articles. Please call 1-877-530-1824 for more information. 

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