Lung Cancer Fact Sheet

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Fact Sheet
Student’s Name
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FACT SHEET 2
Fact Sheet
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer refers to the abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in one or both lungs. Human
beings have two lungs, which constitute the respiratory system. Lungs have bronchi which are
airways and the bronchi which form small sacs of air known as the alveoli.
Are there any types of lung cancer?
Lung cancer is found in different forms, all of which begin by a single cell within the lungs.
 Small-cell Lung cancer (SCLC) results in roughly 12% of all the reported cases of lung
cancer5. It arises when abnormal growth occurs in the epithelial cells which line the
cavities around the bronchi. This type grows and spreads rapidly.
 Non-small cell Lung cancer (NSCLC) makes more than 60% of all reported cases of lung
cancer. It is caused by different kinds of cancers whose growth and spread is slow
compared to SCLC2. This type of cancer majorly affects the cells lining small airways
and bronchi.
 Other types constitute about 25% of all the reported cases of lung cancer4. The
classification into these many types is inspired by several factors such as the molecular
architecture and histology of the tumor.
Does lung cancer have any symptoms?
Typically, lung cancer does not produce any detectable signs. However, it is detected when
taking X-rays to detect other complications4, 5. The commonly observed symptoms include:
 discomfort and pain in the shoulders and chest which result in persistent chest pains

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 Hemoptysis: Emitting sputum containing blood primarily coughed from the lungs
 Loss of weight and appetite
 Persistent chest infections which do not heal
 Shortness in breath
 Being hoarse or changing voice
 Coughing in a new way
Other factors apart from lung cancer may trigger the above factors. Should the patient experience
any of these symptoms, they should discuss them with the physician.
What factors increase the risk of lung cancer?
Risk factors refer to factors that increase the chances of contracting a given disease for instance,
lung cancer. There are a number of factors that increase the risk for lung cancer. A number of
these factors are modifiable while others are not.
It is worth noting that being exposed to several risk factors does not necessarily warrant the
development of lung cancer. Many people have lung cancer, yet they are only exposed to one
risk factor. Other people, however, do not have cancer, yet they are exposed to more than two
risk factors. Usually, it is hard to determine the specific element that contributed to the
development of cancer in lung cancer patients.
The following factors have been noted to contribute to the risk of contracting lung cancer:
 Smoking of tobacco
 History of lung infections like Emphysema, lung fibrosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and
chronic bronchitis7.