Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women. In fact, this disease
claims the lives of more people than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.
Risk Factors
The single biggest risk factor for lung cancer is tobacco smoke from cigarettes, as well as cigars and
pipes. About 85 percent of lung cancer cases are believed to be caused by smoking. Risk increases
with how long a person has smoked and the number of packs smoked per day.
Constant exposure to tobacco smoke can put those who don’t smoke at risk, too. For instance,
nonsmoking spouses of smokers have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than spouses of
nonsmokers. Besides tobacco, other factors that can cause lung cancer include exposure to asbestos
or radon gas, and lung scarring from pneumonia.
Symptoms
Early lung cancers usually don’t cause symptoms. And, most don’t occur until the cancer has spread
to other parts of the body. Common symptoms include:
A nagging cough that doesn’t go away
Constant chest, shoulder or back pain
Hoarseness
Shortness of breath
Coughing up blood
Weight loss or loss of appetite
Recurring bronchitis, pneumonia or other infection
These symptoms don’t necessarily indicate that someone has lung cancer. Another condition may be
the cause. Regardless, people at high risk should visit their doctors whenever they see these signs.
Treatment
Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are the most common treatments. The combination and
intensity of treatments often depend on how advanced the cancer is and the patient’s overall health.
Prevention
Don’t smoke—it’s the best way to help prevent lung cancer. Keep away from other people’s cigarette
smoke, too. And, if you currently use tobacco products, quit today! After quitting, lung tissue slowly
returns to normal, and the risk of developing cancer lessens, as well. Kicking a tobacco habit may not
be easy, but your health depends on it.
With myuhc.com ®, UnitedHealthcare’s innovative consumer Web site, you can access an array
of health information that will help you answer important questions relating to cancer and
many other health and wellness topics.
If you want tips on how to quit smoking, or have questions about lung cancer or many other
health-related concerns, call Care24. Nurses are available 24 hours every day.
Care24 1-888-887-4114
TDD/TTY callers, please call the National Relay Center
at 1-800-855-2880 and ask for 1-888-887-4114.
www.myuhc.com