Aug 15 2005
Recent reports in the media of the deaths of well known people from lung cancer and the surprising news that Dana Reeve, the non-smoking wife of the late Christopher Reeve has the disease, has re-ignited concerns about the so-called 'silent killer', lung cancer.
According to a spokesperson from the American Cancer Society, lung cancer does occur in people who have never smoked.
Apparently, even though cigarette smoking is by far the biggest risk factor for lung cancer in the U.S., other risk factors that may affect never-smokers include exposure to secondhand smoke and radon, as well as occupational exposure to asbestos and certain chemicals and metals.
Genetic susceptibility is also thought to play a greater role in people who develop lung cancer at an early age.
It seems that fewer than 3% of lung cancers occur in people under the age of 45.
Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer deaths for U.S. men and women and causes an estimated 80% of lung cancers in women and 90% in men.
Experts say we all have a potential to be at risk, whether young or old.
However with the use of CT screening, radiologists have been able to identify people's risks for lung cancer, and early detection means a cure is feasible.
Early detection provides many benefits including the prescribing of appropriate therapy, and peace of mind and reassurance for healthier living.
Many experts agree that accessibility is a unique and important aspect of detecting lung cancer and it can be done in an outpatient setting.
Anyone with a known potential risk for lung cancer, is advised to contact their local hospital.
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