How Common Is Lung Cancer?
With November being Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we decided to delve into the statistics and symptoms of Lung Cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, 234,580 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed, with 125,070 individuals dying from lung cancer in 2024.
Because of the severity of lung cancer, we at Direct Primary Care of Boca Raton want to make sure our patients and members are equipped with the medical knowledge and access to the necessary screening they need to face this horrible disease head-on.
Who gets lung cancer?
Minus skin cancer, lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women. Additionally, lung cancer accounts for 1 of 5 cancer-related deaths. For men, the ratio of being diagnosed with lung cancer is 1 in 16. For women, it is 1 in 17. Lung cancer primarily occurs in older individuals, with the average age of diagnosis being 70. However, we are thrilled to report that according to the American Cancer Society, there has been a decrease in lung cancer due to fewer individuals smoking.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the following symptoms can reveal possible signs of lung cancer:
- A persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Feeling very tired all the time
- Weight loss with no known cause
Are you susceptible to lung cancer? If so, what should you do?
If you have a history of lung disease in your family, have been exposed to excessive amounts of second-hand smoke, are a smoker yourself, or have any of the symptoms mentioned above, we at DPC of Boca suggest making an appointment and getting screened.
Lung Cancer is not something any of us should take lightly. When you come for an appointment at Direct Primary Care, we can provide you with a full physical examination, labs, and referrals for additional screenings, which include screening for lung cancer. Our goal is always to give our patients the peace of mind they need to live a full and healthy life at an affordable cost.
If you’re skeptical about the care, services, and affordability we provide, we understand. It seems too good to be true. We always want you to do your research and find what’s best for you and your family. You can check out our Google reviews for a starting point. If you already know you want to get a full physical with additional screenings, schedule your appointment today!
Sources:
Raise Awareness [Internet] Lung Cancer Foundation of America [Accessed October 2024] Available from: https://lcfamerica.org/get-involved/raise-awareness/lung-cancer-awareness-month/
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month [Internet] American Association for Cancer Research [Accessed October 2024] Available from: https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/lung-cancer-awareness-month/
Key Statistics for Lung Cancer [Internet] American Cancer Society [Revised January 29th, 2024] Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html