Lung Cancer 101

Carissa Thompson RN, BSN, OCN

Dispelling the mythsO “Only smokers get Lung cancer”O “More women die from Breast cancer

than from Lung Cancer”O “I am too young to get Lung Cancer”O “There is nothing I can do to lower

my risk”O “Lung cancer rates are decreasing

now that fewer people are smoking”O “If I already have Lung cancer it

doesn’t matter if I quit smoking”O “Lung cancer is a death sentence”

“Statistics are compiled from the experiences of large numbers of people… ”

Lung Cancer Risk Factors*Tobacco Smoke (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes)

*Secondhand smoke exposure

*Radon exposure

*Asbestos exposure

*Exposure to respiratory irritants (diesel exhaust,

smog, silica)

Early detection is the key!!

O Low dose CT.O Annual CXRO Monitoring of PFT’s O Annual PhysicalsO Report any health

changesO Reduce your risk!!

(smoking cessation, reduce environmental exposure)

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Often patients have no symptoms until cancer has advanced. Common symptoms:O cough (especially one that

doesn't go away or gets worse in character)

O chest pain O shortness of breath O coughing up blood or

bloody phlegm O new onset hoarseness or

wheezing O recurrent problems with

pneumonia or bronchitis O weight lossO loss of appetite O Retrieved on 8/12/2009 from http://oncolink.org/types/article.cfm?

c=9&s=76&ss=781&id=8037&p=2

Hot off the press- New screening guidelines

O November 9th, 2011 the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) updated surveillance guidelines for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer encouraging annual screening for HIGH RISK patients. Those people include:

O Age 55-74 ANDO ≥ 30 pack year history of smoking ANDO Smoking cessation < 15 yearsOR• Age ≥ 50 AND• ≥ 20 pack year history of smoking AND• One additional risk factor other than second hand

smoke. These factors include radon exposure, occupational exposure, family history of lung cancer, personal cancer history, history of COPD.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!!

O Dispel the mythsO Know the facts

about risk and early detection

O Surround yourself with strong positive people

O Have HOPE!!