Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in both men and women in the U.S. In men, prostate cancer is more common, while breast cancer is more common in women. In Louisiana, lung cancer is the number one leading cause of cancer death. It is important to know that lung cancer can happen in people who have never smoked.

The two main types of lung cancer are:

• Non-small cell (Most cancers are non-small cell)
• Small cell (Less common, but grows & spreads faster)

Signs & Symptoms

• A new cough that doesn't go away
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood, even a small amount
• Hoarseness
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

Sometimes, there are zero symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body. These may include:

• Bone pain
• Headache
• Losing weight without trying
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling in the face or neck

Risk Factors & Behaviors

• Smoking
• Air pollution
• Family history
• Hiv infection
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Exposure to radon, asbestos & other chemicals such as arsenic and coal products

There's no definitive way to prevent lung cancer - but as with most cancers - eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol use may reduce risk. Don’t smoke, or quit smoking if you already do. Get your home tested for radon.

Testing

• Imaging tests
• Sputum cytology
• Biopsy

Screening with an annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scanning is considered the gold standard for early detection of lung cancer. LDCT creates detailed images of the lungs with significantly less radiation than a chest X-ray.

If you meet the below criteria, you should get a yearly lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan:

• Age: 50-80 years
• Smoking History: 20+ pack years (1 pack/day for 20 years, 2 packs/day for 10 years, etc.)
• Smoking status: Current smoker or quit within the last 15 years

Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about screening tests to help you understand what’s recommended for you. It is important to know your risk factors for some cancers and screening guidance.

Treatment Options

• Wedge resection
• Segmental resection
• Lobectomy
• Pneumonectomy 
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Stereotactic body radiotherapy
• Immunotherapy

Local Resources

• https://louisianacancer.org/cancers/lung-cancer/ 
• https://www.ochsner.org/services/lung-cancer-multi-disciplinary-program 
• https://marybird.org/cancer-types/lung/ 
• https://www.louisianacancercenter.org/ 

National Resources

• https://www.lung.org/ 
• https://lcfamerica.org/ 
• https://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/ 
• https://www.iaslc.org/ 
• https://go2.org/ 
• https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung 
• https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer.html 
• https://www.cdc.gov/lung-cancer/index.html 
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20374620