Symptoms & Risk Factors

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

In the majority of lung cancer cases, symptoms of the disease do not appear until the cancer is in a more advanced stage. This makes treatment and cure more difficult. Symptoms that appear in more advanced lung cancers include:

• Chronic cough and/or coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Sudden weight loss
• Fatigue
• Recurrent lung infections such as pneumonia should also be checked out by a physician.

At Holy Cross Health, we’re committed to identifying lung cancer in high risk patients before symptoms ever appear. Through our Lung Cancer Screening program for at-risk individuals, a low dose CT scan can identify lung cancer in its earlier, most treatable stages. Learn more about lung cancer screening.

Risk Factors of Lung Cancer

There is a great deal of information on early detection, screening, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, but the question remains: Can lung cancer be prevented?  While there is no concrete answer, there are steps every person can take to ensure their good health.

At Holy Cross Health, our focus is on the overall health and well-being of our patients and our community, which is why knowing risk factors plays a role in your healthy lifestyle.

Risk Factors for and Causes of Lung Cancer include:

• Smoking - The leading risk factor and cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoking/tobacco use. The lungs are a person’s air filter and years of exposure to tar and chemicals in the tobacco smoke wears down the cells of the lungs and causes lung cancer.
• Second hand smoke – Individuals who are regularly exposed to cigarette smoke also have an increased risk of developing the disease. Those who are around the chemicals in the smoke breathe in the same lung damaging smoke that can lead to the development of lung cancer.
• Genetics – People who are non-smokers yet develop lung cancer usually have a genetic predisposition to the disease. While a less common risk factor and cause, those with a family history of lung cancer should discuss regular screening with their physicians. In addition, individuals who have chronic lung disease, inflammation and/or scarring of the lung may be at higher risk of developing lung cancer later in life, which is why regular medical exams are important.
• Exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals – Many cases of lung cancer can be traced back to exposure to environmental toxins at work and in the home. Asbestos exposure is a well-known cause of lung disease and cancer. Radon is another common toxin that can be present in homes and should be tested for. Air pollution can also contribute to the development of lung cancer.

 For more information about Holy Cross Health's lung cancer services, call 855-HCH-HOPE.