Cancer of the lung is the most common cancer in men and increasing rapidly among women in the United States. There are a number of types of lung cancer, but the most common is called bronchogenic, since it originates in the bronchial tubes. By far, the most common cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoking with the risk directly proportionate to the number of cigarettes smoked and the amount of inhaling. It appears that in the tobacco tar, we find not only benz-0-pyrene, but also dozens of other cancerproducing chemicals, as well as other substances that sensitize the tissues to the destructive action of these agents. Over a period of years the hapless smoker accumulates an increasing amount of tar, until some of the lining cells, which at first increase in number as a protective measure, finally become transformed into malignant cells, which invade local tissues and eventually metastasize.
Extensive research on tobacco was sponsored by The American Cancer Society. Also, momentous publications by the recent Surgeon General of the United States, especially his dynamic governmental Report on Smoking and Health, underscore clearly the detrimental effects of tobacco use and its potential for producing malignancy in vital organs. In spite of many medical and surgical advances in the treatment of advanced cancer, lung cancer still takes the lives of about 95% of its victims. Tragically, most cases are discovered too late for any hope of cure, although this disease is almost entirely preventable.
An individual developing cancer of the lung may have no symptoms at all until the cancer is far advanced. Others develop a cough that may be confused with the smoker’s cough of chronic bronchitis. At times the expectorated mucous may contain blood, a rather late sign in the development of this cancer. Some unfortunate cases have spread to involve vital blood vessels, the brain, or bones before adequate diagnosis has been made. Occasionally, the removal of the lung or part of a lobe may eradicate the tumor early enough to effect a cure.
Extensive research on tobacco was sponsored by The American Cancer Society. Also, momentous publications by the recent Surgeon General of the United States, especially his dynamic governmental Report on Smoking and Health, underscore clearly the detrimental effects of tobacco use and its potential for producing malignancy in vital organs. In spite of many medical and surgical advances in the treatment of advanced cancer, lung cancer still takes the lives of about 95% of its victims. Tragically, most cases are discovered too late for any hope of cure, although this disease is almost entirely preventable.
An individual developing cancer of the lung may have no symptoms at all until the cancer is far advanced. Others develop a cough that may be confused with the smoker’s cough of chronic bronchitis. At times the expectorated mucous may contain blood, a rather late sign in the development of this cancer. Some unfortunate cases have spread to involve vital blood vessels, the brain, or bones before adequate diagnosis has been made. Occasionally, the removal of the lung or part of a lobe may eradicate the tumor early enough to effect a cure.
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