Lung Cancer

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in one or both lungs. These cells form tumors that can damage lung tissue and spread to other parts of the body. The lungs are responsible for bringing oxygen into your body and removing carbon dioxide, so cancer in these organs can seriously affect your breathing and overall health.

There are two main types of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of cases. Small cell lung cancer grows more quickly and tends to spread faster. Both types can start in different parts of the lung and behave differently, which affects treatment choices.

Early detection is critical because lung cancer often has no symptoms in its beginning stages. When caught early, treatment options are more effective and outcomes improve significantly. Regular monitoring with blood tests can help track certain markers that may indicate cancer activity, especially if you have risk factors or a history of lung disease.

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Symptoms

Persistent cough that doesn't go away or gets worse over time
Coughing up blood or rust-colored spit
Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
Shortness of breath or feeling winded during normal activities
Hoarseness or changes in your voice
Unexplained weight loss without trying
Feeling tired or weak all the time
Repeated infections like bronchitis or pneumonia
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Bone pain, especially in the back or hips

Many people with early-stage lung cancer have no symptoms at all. This is why screening and monitoring are so important for people at higher risk. Symptoms often appear only after the cancer has grown or spread to other areas.

Causes and risk factors

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 80% to 90% of cases. Cigarettes contain over 70 cancer-causing chemicals that damage lung cells over time. The longer you smoke and the more cigarettes you use, the higher your risk becomes. Even occasional smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke increases your chances of developing lung cancer.

Other risk factors include exposure to radon gas, asbestos, air pollution, and certain workplace chemicals. Family history plays a role, as genetics can make some people more vulnerable. People with chronic lung diseases like COPD have higher risk. Previous radiation therapy to the chest can also damage lung tissue and lead to cancer years later.

How it's diagnosed

Lung cancer is typically diagnosed using imaging tests like chest X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans that can show abnormal growths. If a suspicious area is found, doctors perform a biopsy to remove a small tissue sample and examine it under a microscope. This confirms whether cancer cells are present and identifies the specific type.

Blood tests can support diagnosis and ongoing monitoring by measuring tumor markers. Rite Aid offers add-on testing for markers like CEA, CA 19-9, CA-125, CA 15-3, and ACE. Elevated levels of these proteins may indicate cancer activity. CEA is especially useful for non-small cell lung cancer monitoring. These blood tests work best alongside imaging and other diagnostic tools to give your medical team important information about your condition.

Treatment options

Surgery to remove tumors or affected lung tissue when cancer is caught early
Chemotherapy drugs that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing
Radiation therapy using high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells
Targeted therapy drugs that attack specific mutations in cancer cells
Immunotherapy that helps your immune system recognize and fight cancer
Quitting smoking immediately to improve treatment effectiveness and recovery
Eating nutrient-dense foods to maintain strength during treatment
Staying physically active as tolerated to preserve lung function and energy
Managing symptoms like pain and breathing difficulties with medications
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs to improve breathing and quality of life

Frequently asked questions

The first signs often include a persistent cough that lasts more than a few weeks, coughing up blood, and chest pain that worsens with breathing. Some people notice shortness of breath during everyday activities or hoarseness in their voice. Many people have no early symptoms, which is why screening is important for those at high risk.

Blood tests cannot diagnose lung cancer on their own, but they can measure tumor markers that help monitor the disease. Tests like CEA, CA 19-9, and ACE may show elevated levels when cancer is present. These markers are most useful for tracking how well treatment is working and watching for recurrence after treatment ends.

Screening is recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. A pack-year means smoking one pack per day for one year. People with a family history of lung cancer or exposure to radon or asbestos should talk to their doctor about screening even if they don't meet these criteria.

Survival rates depend heavily on the stage when cancer is found. When detected early and confined to the lungs, the 5-year survival rate is about 60%. Once cancer spreads to nearby areas, the rate drops to about 33%. If it spreads to distant organs, survival falls to around 7%, making early detection critical.

Yes, about 10% to 20% of lung cancer cases occur in people who never smoked. Risk factors for nonsmokers include secondhand smoke exposure, radon gas in homes, air pollution, and family history. Workplace exposure to asbestos or other chemicals also increases risk regardless of smoking status.

CEA stands for carcinoembryonic antigen, a protein that can be produced by certain cancer cells. Levels are often elevated in people with non-small cell lung cancer. Doctors use CEA levels to help monitor treatment response and detect if cancer returns after treatment, though it is not specific to lung cancer alone.

The frequency depends on your stage of cancer and treatment plan. During active treatment, your doctor may order blood tests every few weeks to monitor tumor markers and overall health. After treatment ends, testing might happen every 3 to 6 months to watch for recurrence. Your oncology team will create a monitoring schedule specific to your situation.

Quitting smoking is the single most important step, as it improves treatment outcomes and reduces complications. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein helps maintain strength during treatment. Gentle exercise like walking preserves lung function and reduces fatigue. Avoiding secondhand smoke and air pollution protects remaining healthy lung tissue.

Lung cancer can be curable when caught in early stages and treated aggressively with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. About 60% of people with early-stage lung cancer survive 5 years or more. Advanced lung cancer is harder to cure, but newer treatments like targeted therapy and immunotherapy are helping people live longer with better quality of life.

Small cell lung cancer grows rapidly and spreads quickly, making up about 15% of cases. It usually starts in the airways and is strongly linked to smoking. Non-small cell lung cancer grows more slowly and accounts for 85% of cases. It has several subtypes and treatment approaches differ based on specific cell characteristics and genetic mutations.