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PREVENTION OVERVIEW
Anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease is a risk factor; anything that decreases a person’s chance of developing a disease is a protective factor. Some of the risk factors for cancer can be avoided, but many can not. Prevention means avoiding the risk factors and increasing the protective factors that can be controlled so that the chance of developing cancer decreases.
LUNG CANCER PREVENTIONTobacco: Studies show that smoking tobacco products in any form is the major cause of lung cancer. Environmental, or second-hand, tobacco smoke is also implicated in causing lung cancer. Many products, such as nicotine gum, nicotine sprays, or nicotine inhalers, may be helpful to people trying to quit smoking. In addition, a number of efforts at the community, state, and national level have helped to reduce smoking rates.
Other risk factors for lung cancer include asbestos and radon exposure.
SYMPTOMS TO REPORT TO YOUR DOCTOR
 A cough that does not go away Chest pain, often made worse by deep breathing Hoarseness Weight loss and loss of appetite Bloody or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm) Shortness of breath New onset of wheezing Recurring infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
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SCREENING OVERVIEWWhat is screening? Screening is looking for cancer before a person has any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread.
It is important to remember that your doctor does not necessarily think you have cancer if he or she suggests a screening test. Screening tests are given when you have no cancer symptoms.
LUNG CANCER SCREENINGThe American Cancer Society states that often when lung cancer is found early, it is found as a result of a chest x-ray, CT scan, or other test that was being done for another reason. However, the National Cancer Institute cites chest x-rays and sputum cytology as potential screening procedures for lung cancer.
• Chest x-ray: A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body..
• CT Scan: Computed tomography (CT) is a painless, diagnostic procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to obtain pictures of cross-sections of the body. The CT computer displays these pictures as detailed images of organs, bones, and other tissues.
• Sputum cytology: Sputum cytology is a procedure in which a sample of sputum (mucus that is brought up from the lungs by coughing) is viewed under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
LUNG CANCER TREATMENT• Small cell lung cancer
There are four standard treatments for small cell lung cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and laser therapy. Surgery involves removing a part of the lung. Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells.
• Non-small cell lung cancer
In addition to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, laser therapy is also used to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Laser therapy is a cancer treatment that uses a laser beam (a narrow beam of intense light) to kill cancer cells.
LUNG CANCER SUPPORT GROUPSThe Lung Cancer Alliance Phone Buddy Program matches lung cancer survivors or family members who have similar circumstances, such as disease type, treatment regimens, or caregiving situations. Once the match is made, participants can phone each other for support and encouragement. If you need a buddy or want to be one (or to receive more information about this and other Lung Cancer Alliance programs), call (800) 298-2436.
LUNG CANCER SERVICESCessation: Want to quit smoking? Help is just a phone call away! Whether you are just thinking about it, are ready to stop smoking, or have quit and are trying to stay tobacco-free, Quitline Iowa is the resource for you. For more information, link to http://www.idph.state.ia.us/tobacco/cessation.htm or call 1-866-U-CAN-TRY (1-866-822-6879).
OTHERThe Association of Cancer Online Resources (ACOR) is a not-for-profit group that hosts free support listservs. Register for nonsmall cell, small cell, or bronchioalveolar (BAC) lung cancer groups at http://www.acor.org/.
Lung Cancer Alliance Survivors is an online support community for those who have lung cancer or whose loved ones are fighting this disease.
LUNG CANCER LINKSAmerican Lung Association
1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872)
