Risk Factors of Lung Cancer

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Lung cancer is a life threatening disease, which is taking the lives of more and more people each day. There are two types of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Lung cancer forms tumors in the lungs, which affects the quality of the lung and eventually the amount of gas exchange that can occur. Non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent type, accounting for more than 80 percent of cancer cases (Walker. 2008). The mortality rate for lung cancer is shocking, in 2012 it is estimated that lung cancer will cause about 29 percent of all cancer deaths among men and 26 percent among women in the United States. Which totals to 160,340 fatalities, more than the combined number of deaths from the next three most common cancers (colon, breast, and prostate) (Cagle, P.T., & Allen, T. 2012). Lung cancer affects people from all lifestyles; however, this disease is more likely to affect the elderly and African American male population. How can we reduce these staggering statistics? Simply by taking the precautions necessary and understanding the risk factors.
Smoke from tobacco use accounts for about 80 percent of all deaths from lung cancer. Most patients diagnosed with lung cancer are from active smoking; however, chronic inhalation of passive secondhand smoke has been involved in some cases (Walker. 2008). People with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also have a greater risk of developing the disease; dietary deficiencies also may play a role. Other factors include exposure to radon, asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel, air pollution, and family history (Alberg & Samet. 2008). Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer; tobacco smoke is a toxic mix of m...

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...ng cancer, education of the disease and avoiding the risk factors is necessary to live a healthy cancer free life.
In conclusion, lung cancer is a horrible disease that if not treated in its early stages can lead to deadly consequences.

Works Cited

Bunn A. P., MD, (2012) “Worldwide Overview of the Current Status of Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment”.

Cagle, P.T., & Allen, T. (2012) “Lung Cancer Genotype-Based Therapy and Predictive
Biomarkers”.

Walker S. (2008) Updates in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Clinical Journal of Oncology
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Yoder L. (2008) Cancer: “Caring and Conquering” – An Overview of Lung Cancer Symptoms,
Pathophysiology, and Treatment. Medsurg Nursing.

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/risk_factors.htm Web. 2 October . 2013. Lung Cancer.
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http://www.lungcancer.org/ Web. 2 October. 2013. Lung Cancer 101.

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