November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, serving as a timely reminder to schedule a lung screening. In the United States, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women.
WVU Medicine United Hospital Center is participating in the Pink and Pearl campaign, which promotes lung cancer screening.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer happens when abnormal cells grow in the lungs in an uncontrolled way. These cells can make it hard to breathe or spread to other parts of the body. There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell and non-small cell. Non-small cell cancer is more common.
Why is early detection of lung cancer important?
Finding lung cancer early increases the chance of successful treatment. If caught early, the cancer may not have spread, and there are more treatment options.
How is lung cancer detected?
People who are at higher risk—such as heavy smokers, or those exposed to certain bad substances (such as radon or asbestos)—may get a low-dose CT scan. This type of scan can detect lung nodules—or spots—that may be cancerous before they become large or spread.
How does the Pink and Pearl campaign relate to lung cancer?
The Pink and Pearl campaign highlights the importance of screening for both breast and lung cancer, with pink representing breast cancer and pearls representing lung cancer.
Who should get lung cancer screening, and when?
Screening is usually for older people (often 50-80 years old), who have smoked a lot in the past or currently smoke, or have other risk factors. Doctors make decisions based on a patient’s medical history, family history, and potential exposures.
What are the signs and symptoms of lung cancer that someone should watch for?
Some warning signs include:
- Coughing that gets worse or does not go away
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Feeling tired all the time
- Losing weight without trying
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
It is important to note that these signs and symptoms can also occur with other illnesses. If someone has these, especially if they are at risk, they should consult a doctor immediately.
How can you prevent lung cancer?
The most important step is to avoid smoking. Smoking cigarettes or cigars, and vaping can all damage your lungs and raise your risk of cancer. If you already use these products, the best thing you can do for your health is to quit. UHC can help.
Another way to prevent lung cancer is to test your home for radon. Radon is a natural gas that you can’t see or smell. If it builds up in your house, it can increase your risk of lung cancer. A simple home test can indicate whether radon is present, and there are steps you can take to make your home safe from radon.
Please note, the information provided throughout this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and video, on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. If you are experiencing related symptoms, please visit your doctor or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.