Smokers, Nonsmokers Alike Urged to Learn About Lung Cancer
TUESDAY, Nov. 20 (HealthDay News) -- Statistics show that lung
cancer kills about 160,000 people a year in the United States
and is the country's leading cause of cancer death, but there
are steps people can take to reduce their risk, an expert
advises. Lung cancer causes more deaths than colon, breast and
prostate cancer combined, according to the American Lung
Association. Therefore, people should learn the facts about lung
cancer and simple ways to reduce their risk, Dr. Bruce Johnson,
director of the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology at the Dana-
Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, said in a news release from
the institute. Smoking is the greatest risk factor for lung
cancer, but nonsmokers account for 10 to 15 percent of lung
cancer cases, he noted. It's important for everyone to know the
symptoms of lung cancer because early detection can lead to
better outcomes. Symptoms can include: a cough that doesn't go
away; shortness of breath; back and sho