Lung cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the lung, usually from genetic mutations due to exposure to certain toxins or past smoking, expand and form a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among both men and women. The disease can start with a cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or fatigue, but it typically doesn’t present any symptoms until it is in an advanced stage making it hard to detect and treat.

Most cases of lung cancer are caused directly or indirectly by smoking. Cigarette smoke contains a number of known cancer-causing chemicals that can increase the risk of developing the disease, including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and nickel. Non-smokers have a significantly lower risk of getting lung cancer, but they can still be affected by secondhand smoke and air pollution. Long-term exposure to asbestos, radiation, and other environmental carcinogens can also increase lung cancer risk.

Diagnosing lung cancer early is the best way to increase survival chances. This can be done through imaging scans, such as chest X-rays, CT scans and MRI, or through biopsies of lung tissue. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, depending on the stage and type of the disease.

For those affected by lung cancer, there is help available. Support groups, such as the American Cancer Society and the Lung Cancer Alliance, provide educational information and aid in raising awareness of the disease. Research organizations and clinical disease centers also work to provide better diagnosis and treatment for patients.

Lung cancer is a serious and often fatal disease, but with early diagnosis and improved treatments, the outlook for those affected has become more hopeful. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms and effective treatments for lung cancer can help to better understand the disease and improve prevention, diagnosis and outcomes.