Document Text
--- Document: Lung Cancer Fact Sheet for Patients & Caregivers Document ---
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in the US.
There are different kinds of lung cancer. The two most common types are non-small cell lung
cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Risk Factors
Smoking tobacco continues to be the leading cause of lung
cancer. This includes cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Low-tar
and “light” cigarettes increase the risk of lung cancer as much
as regular cigarettes.
But not all people who get lung cancer smoke now or did so
in the past. In fact, some people who get lung cancer never
smoked. There are other risk factors for getting lung cancer.
Some risk factors for lung cancer can be changed. These
include smoking tobacco, breathing in secondhand smoke
from other people who use tobacco, or being exposed to
cancer-causing chemicals like radon and asbestos.
Other risk factors can’t be changed. These include personal
or family history, having been treated with radiation therapy
to the chest, and being exposed to air pollution.
Prevention
Not all lung cancers can be prevented. And some people who
get lung cancer do not have any known risk factors. But there
are ways you can help lower your risk:
• Don’t use any tobacco products.
• Stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Keep cars and homes smoke-free.
• Avoid or limit exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in your
home or workplace.
• Follow a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits
and vegetables.
Screening
Screening looks for cancer in people who don’t have
symptoms. Lung cancer screening can help reduce the risk of
death by finding cancer early when treatment is more likely
to be successful.
The American Cancer Society recommends yearly lung cancer
screening with low-dose CT (LDCT) scans for people ages 50 to
80 years who have at least a 20 pack-year history of smoking.
Pack-years are the number of cigarette packs smoked per day
times the number of years a person has smoked.
If you might be at higher risk of lung cancer, talk to a health
care provider about the possible benefits, limits, and risks of
lung cancer screening.
Signs and Symptoms
Most lung cancers do not cause symptoms until they have
spread outside the lungs. Some common signs and symptoms
of lung cancer include:
• A cough that does not go away or gets worse
• Coughing up blood or rust-colored spit or phlegm
• Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing,
coughing, or laughing
• Hoarse voice
• Loss of appetite
• Losing weight without trying
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Feeling tired or weak
• Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that don’t
go away or keep coming back
cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345
Lung Cancer
Fact Sheet
for Patients and Caregivers
Treatment
Treatment for lung cancer depends on several things,
such as the type and extent of the cancer, your age, other
health problems, and personal choices. Also, special testing
might be done on the tumor to choose the best treatment.
If you have lung cancer, talk to your doctor about the best
treatment for you.
Living With Lung Cancer
Having lung cancer can affect your quality of life. Physical,
social, mental health, spiritual, and money issues can come
up at any time during and after treatment. You might feel, or
be made to feel, that it’s your fault that you got lung cancer.
This can add to your stress and worry.
Palliative care might be helpful at any time after diagnosis.
It focuses on helping manage symptoms, address issues, and
improve quality of life.
Good communication between you and your health care
team is important. This should include:
• Asking and answering questions
• Working together to set care goals
• Making shared decisions
• Managing side effects and other issues
• Scheduling follow-up tests and care
To learn more about lung cancer, visit the American Cancer Society
website at cancer.org/lungcancer or call us at 1-800-227-2345.
We’re here when you need us.
©2026, American Cancer Society, Inc.
No.080765 Rev. 1/26
Models used for illustrative purposes only.