What Lung Cancer Is
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women.
Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably. Early lung cancer seldom causes symptoms; consequently, only about 15% of lung cancer cases are caught in this stage when the cancer is most treatable. In later stages, lung cancer can interfere with lung function. Cells may break away from the tumor and spread (metastasize) to other chest tissue or organs. When lung cancer is found in its earliest stages, chances for cure and long-term survival are much greater.
Facts About Lung Cancer
Following are some facts about lung cancer:
- Approximately 180,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year, with less
than 12% of patients cured. Sadly, nearly 85% of patient die within 5 years.
- The overall 5-year survival rate of 15% is low because the stage of lung cancer
is often advanced at the time of diagnosis.
- Lung cancer accounts for more deaths each year than breast cancer, prostate cancer,
and colon cancer combined.