Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and it kills three times as many men as prostate cancer and three times as many women as breast cancer. One in sixteen people in the United States get diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime. The good news is that lung cancer deaths have been cut in half for men, and by a third for women, and the number of new lung cancer diagnoses are steadily declining by 2 percent annually since the 2000s.
Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer and is responsible for 80% of lung cancer deaths. Exposure to radon gas is the second leading risk factor of lung cancer.
Other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke; asbestos; radiation; air pollution; diesel exhaust; certain metals (arsenic, chromium, cadmium); & certain organic materials. Family history and genetic factors may also play a role in the development of lung cancer.
Early detection of high-risk lung cancer cases can reduce chance of death by up to 20%. If you smoke now or have in the past, ask your doctor if lung cancer screening may be right for you. Approximately 8 million Americans are at high risk for lung cancer and could benefit from a lung cancer screening, and yet only 5.7% actually get screened. Also, if you live in an area with high levels of radon, consider having your house tested for radon exposure and, if needed, take steps to reduce radon levels. CritAcuity Medical Group can help with all of your pulmonary health needs. Call 1-844-CRITACUITY.