Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, and cigarette smoking is by far the most important risk factor for developing the disease. Right now, many researchers believe that prevention is the best way to fight lung cancer.
Although nearly four decades have passed since studies revealed the link between smoking and lung cancers, scientists estimate that smoking is still responsible for 85-90 percent of cases. Today's research is continuing to look at:
-Ways to help people quit smoking through counseling, nicotine replacement, and other medications.
- Ways to prevent young people from ever taking up smoking.
- Genetic factors that may make some people more likely to get lung cancer if they smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke.
- Screening for lung cancer -- specifically through the National Cancer Institute's National Lung Cancer Screening Trial, which is determining whether screening for lung cancer can reduce deaths
- Reducing side effects from chemotherapy for lung cancer patients.
- Using targeted therapies to prevent lung cancer from growing.
Researchers are making progress every day in prevention, early detection, and treatment with the potential to save thousands of lives each year. To find out how you can be a part of this groundbreaking work, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org. You can also find out how the American Cancer Society can double your chances of quitting smoking successfully.