Lung Cancer: Smoking's Deadly Impact and Types
Lung cancer remains a significant health concern in the United States. It is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths. Smoking is the primary risk factor, with 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths linked to this habit.
Lung cancer is classified into two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC is the most common, accounting for about 80% to 85% of all lung cancer cases. Smoking significantly increases the risk of both types, with about 10% to 20% of lifelong smokers developing lung cancer.
SCLC, while less common, is particularly aggressive. It spreads quickly and requires immediate, aggressive treatment. In non-smokers, NSCLC subtypes like adenocarcinoma are more prevalent, while SCLC is rare. Other rare, aggressive forms, such as those linked to HER2 mutations, can also occur in non-smokers.
Smoking cessation is crucial to reduce lung cancer risk. Even secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk by 20% to 30%. Annually, over 7,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. are attributed to secondhand smoke. Men who smoke have 23 times the risk, and women have 13 times the risk compared to non-smokers. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke are vital steps to lower lung cancer incidence.
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