Data from the World Cancer Research Fund International indicates that more than 2.2 million people were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020. That makes lung cancer the second most common cancer worldwide, underscoring the importance of learning about the disease.

What is lung cancer? Lung cancer is any cancer that begins in the lungs, which are two sponge-like organs in the chest. When people breathe air in, it enters through their mouth or nose and goes into the lungs through the trachea. The trachea divides into tubes called bronchi, which enter the lungs and divide into smaller bronchi. Lung cancers typically start in the cells lining the bronchi or smaller branches of the bronchi known as bronchioles. They also may start in the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles.

How many types of lung cancer are there? The Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) notes that the term “lung cancer” refers to a group of diseases defined by which type of lung tissue the abnormal cells originated in. To develop a treatment plan, physicians must first identify which type of lung cancer a person has — non-small cell lung cancer (which make up between 80 and 85% of all lung cancers), and small cell lung cancer (which affect about 10% of all people diagnosed).

Can lung cancer be prevented? It’s a misconception that all lung cancers can be prevented. Though many incidents of lung cancer are tied to lifestyle choices, not all cases can be prevented. Even people who make healthy lifestyle choices can still get the disease. However, the American Cancer Society (ACS) notes that there are many things that people can do to lower their risk for the disease.

  • Avoid tobacco: Avoiding tobacco is the best way to reduce lung cancer risk. Not smoking at all and avoiding breathing in other people’s smoke can greatly reduce your risk for lung cancer. Even current smokers can reduce their risk by quitting immediately, especially if cancer has not yet begun to develop in their lungs.
  • Avoid radon: Radon is a colorless, odorless and radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock throughout the world. Most exposure to radon occurs indoors, and long-term exposure can lead to lung cancer. Routine radon testing and immediate treatment can reduce risk for lung cancers caused by the gas.
  • Eat healthy: Some evidence supports the idea that a diet high in fruits and vegetables can help protect both smokers and non-smokers from lung cancer.

Many of the more than two million cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year can be prevented. More information about lung cancer can be found at www.lcfamerica.org.