Lung cancer
Lung cancer is when cancer begins in your lungs. It can cause symptoms like:
persistent cough that may bring up blood
wheezing
shortness of breath
hoarse voice
chest pain
fatigue
reduced appetite
unexplained weight loss
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, with 2.2 million new diagnosesTrusted Source being made in 2020. It also causes the highest percentage of cancer deaths worldwide: In 2020, 18%Trusted Source of cancer deaths occurred due to lung cancer.
Smoking is the main risk factor for lung cancer and is estimated to cause 85%Trusted Source of all lung cancers. Other risk factors include:
a family history of lung cancer
secondhand smoke exposure
occupational exposures to harmful substances
radiation exposure, including radon at home or receiving previous radiation therapy
long-term exposure to air pollution
Lung cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer. It may include one or a combination of:
surgery
chemotherapy
radiation therapy
targeted therapy
immunotherapy
