Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

Why aren't there screening tests to detect lung cancer early?

Screening to detect lung cancer early sounds like it makes sense, because treatment outcomes are better the earlier you catch the cancer. But only those at high risk really benefit from screening. The reason is that the screening tests, such as a CT scan, are overly sensitive and find abnormalities that end up not being cancer, but still require follow-up tests that are invasive and carry their own risks.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is when cells in the lung replicate uncontrollably and form tumors, which are masses of abnormal cells, inside the lung. The cancer can then sometimes spread to other parts of the body.

What causes lung cancer?

Lung cancer results from damage to lung cells that causes them to replicate uncontrollably. In most cases this damage is caused directly by smoking or by second-hand smoke.

How is lung cancer diagnosed?

Lung cancer is diagnosed by a lung biopsy. A biopsy may be obtained by fine-needle aspiration or during a bronchoscopy.

How is lung cancer treated?

Lung cancer is treated using surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The combination of these techniques will depend on what type of cancer in involved and how far it has progressed.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

Symptoms of lung cancer include shortness of breath, bronchitis, wheezing and coughing, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes and pain radiating to the chest, shoulders and back.

Is lung cancer preventable?

Smoking is the cause of most lung cancers so not smoking, or quitting if you do, is the best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer. It is also recommended to take precautions around hazardous material such as asbestos.

Do non-smokers get lung cancer?

Non-smokers account for about one in five (20%) of men with lung cancer cases, and over half of women.

Are there different types of lung cancer?

The type of lung cancer depends on the cell it starts in. For example, adenocarcinoma starts in the cells that produce mucus, squamous cell carcinoma starts in the cells that line the airways, and carcinoid tumors start in cells that produce …

What increases the chances of developing lung cancer?

By far the greatest increase in risk in developing lung cancer comes from smoking. Exposure to chemicals such as asbestos can also increase your risk.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, covers conditions affecting the lungs. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two main conditions, usually caused by smoking. Medications and lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of the disease.…
Diseases & conditions

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the name for cancers that arise in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. Abnormal cells can form tumours in the ovaries and spread to other parts of the body.…
Diseases & conditions

Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in the melanocyte cells of the skin, usually due to damage from UV light (sunlight). A new or changing mole may be a sign of a potential melanoma. Melanoma cells can spread to other parts of the body.…
Diseases & conditions

Kidney cancer

Kidney cancer is the name for cancers that arise in the kidneys, organs that produce urine (to remove waste products from blood) and regulate blood pressure. Abnormal cells can form a tumour, affecting urination, and can spread through the body.…
Diseases & conditions

Skin cancer

Skin cancer is a group of cancers that originate from several different types of skin cells. Treatment options vary, depending on the type and stage. Protective measures, such as minimising sun exposure and wearing appropriate clothing outdoors, can go a long way towards preventing skin cancer.…
Diseases & conditions

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the name for cancers that form in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. Abnormal cells can form a tumour in the prostate gland and spread throughout the body, commonly to the bones.…

About this article

Author: Dr Joanne Van der Velden PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Votes: 452 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

×

Content goes in here.