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Lung cancer represents highest number of new cancer cases diagnosed

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the highest number of estimated new cancer cases diagnosed, as well as highest estimated cancer type death, in the state of Indiana as of this year.

This unfortunately doesn't come as much of a surprise, as Indiana ranks 10th in the United States for states with the highest number of adults who smoke, and it's been found that an average of 80-90% of lung cancer related deaths are related to smoking.

Jonathan L. Berkowitz, MD, is a board-certified physician specializing in hematology and medical oncology at IU Health Health Ball Memorial Hospital.
Jonathan L. Berkowitz, MD, is a board-certified physician specializing in hematology and medical oncology at IU Health Health Ball Memorial Hospital.

This does not bode well for us as a state, or as a country, but there are things that we as Hoosiers can do to lower all of these numbers, and that starts with education which is what we will be discussing today.

Let's start at the beginning and discuss what lung cancer is, who is more likely to be affected, how to prevent it, what lung cancer symptoms are, and how you can detect it early.

What is lung cancer?

Cancer, in general, is a larger term that is characterized by abnormal and unhealthy cells that end up growing and invading the healthy tissue in our bodies. So, lung cancer is when those abnormal cells grow in the lung and can start growing out of control and perhaps into other parts of the body. There are two types of lung cancer and both are treated differently: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which makes up about 80-85% of diagnosed lung cancers, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which makes up about 10-15% of diagnosed lung cancers.

Who is more likely to be affected?

In general, cancer is caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors, however, there is more weight put on the environmental factors than genetics as, genetically, you are only more predisposed to get lung cancer if a close relative was diagnosed at a young age.

So, let's break down the environmental factors:

  • Smoking - as stated earlier, this is the leading cause of lung cancer

  • Vaping

  • Exposure to secondhand smoke

  • Exposure to radon - this is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in indoor spaces at concentrated levels, which is why it is important to purchase a radon detector for your home

  • Exposure to other harmful substances like asbestos, diesel exhaust, arsenic, and uranium

  • Taking beta carotene supplements - originally meant to lower smokers' risk of cancer, it's been found that taking this supplement actually increases it

See, the list for environmental factors is much larger than the list of things you cannot change, so let's get into prevention of lung cancer next.

How do I prevent lung cancer?

The list above is not a list where, if you check one, you are guaranteed to get lung cancer. Plus, a number of items on the list can be avoided or stopped entirely, so let's get into some lung cancer prevention measures:

  • Don't smoke - this means either never start, or quit smoking if you do. This is the number one more important preventative measure you can take to decrease your chance of getting lung cancer, and many many other types of cancer.

  • Avoid secondhand smoke - this may be easier said than done, but with Indiana's Smoke-Free Air Law, smoking is prohibited in many public places. If you live with a smoker, urge them to quit or to at least smoke outside and not around you or your loved ones.

  • Test your home for radon/buy a radon detector

  • Avoid carcinogens at work - if you work around cancer causing agents, your employer should have standard protocols/precautions for handling - follow those precisely

  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet

  • Exercise regularly

What are lung cancer signs and symptoms?

The majority of lung cancers don't cause any symptoms, until they are at a more advanced stage. That is why it is so important to know if you are at a higher risk and screen accordingly. However, if symptoms do present, it is better to go and see your doctor at the first sign of them so that you can start the diagnosis earlier and have greater success with treatment. Some symptoms include:

  • A worsening cough

  • Coughing up blood or red-colored spit

  • Chest pain when deep breathing, coughing or laughing

  • Hoarseness

  • Shortness of breath

  • Wheezing

  • Reoccurring or worsening infections like bronchitis or pneumonia

  • Feeling weak or tired

  • Loss of appetite

Can lung cancer be detected early?

People with a higher risk of lung cancer, we recommend to have a low-dose CT lung cancer screening. These regular screenings are the best way to detect lung cancer early in the hopes of treating it before it spreads any further. Those who are 50+, have a 20-pack per year smoking history, or if a former smoker, have quit sometime in the past 15 years, are strongly encouraged to undergo a low-dose CT lung cancer screening. These low-dose CT scans can find an abnormal area of cells in the lungs that may be cancer, and the earlier this can be found, when it is small and before it has spread, the more likely it is that the cancer can be treated successfully.

IU Health offers a $49 Lung Scan for those who fit the above criteria at any of our East Central Indiana locations:

  • The Imaging Center - 2598 W White River Boulevard, Muncie, IN. 47303

  • IU Health Jay Hospital - 500 W Votaw St, Portland, IN. 47371

  • IU Health Blackford Hospital - 410 Pilgram Boulevard, Hartford City, IN. 47348

Learn more about our lung scans here.

Jonathan L. Berkowitz, MD, is a board-certified physician specializing in hematology and medical oncology at IU Health Health Ball Memorial Hospital. Visit our website to learn more about our cancer centers.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Lung cancer represents highest number of new cancer cases diagnosed