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CANCER
FACTS - Lung
| Signs
and Symptoms |
Persistent
cough, sputum streaked with blood, chest pain, and recurring pneumonia
or bronchitis. |
| Risk
Factors |
Cigarette
smoking is by far the most important risk factor in the development
of lung cancer.
Other risk
factors include: exposure to certain industrial substances, such
as arsenic; some organic chemicals; radon and asbestos, particularly
for persons who smoke; radiation exposure from occupational, medical;
environmental sources, such as air pollution and tuberculosis;
and environmental tobacco smoke in nonsmokers.
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| Early
Detection |
Because
symptoms often do not appear until the disease is advanced, early
detection is difficult. In those who stop smoking when precancerous
changes are found, damaged lung tissue often returns to normal.
Chest x-ray, analysis of cells contained in sputum, and fiberoptic
examination of the bronchial passages assist in diagnosis. |
Source:
Cancer Facts & Figures 1998 - American Cancer Society
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