Lung cancer: Not just a smoker's disease

Cigarette smoking is certainly a major risk factor for lung cancer. But, it is not the only factor. Although black men smoke less than white men, they are almost 40 percent more likely to develop the disease and more likely to die from it. Even among non-smokers with lung cancer, the rate of death among African-Americans is much higher. Without clear understanding as to why, lung cancer remains one of the top killers in the black community nationwide. African-Americans are more affected by environmental causes of lung cancer. More live near highways or other high pollution areas which increases the risk. Black men are exposed more often to occupational hazards, like diesel fumes from transportation jobs. Air pollution from asbestos, second-hand smoke and radon inside homes are just as dangerous. Radon — a gas that seeps out of soil into homes through the water supply and cracks in the foundation — is responsible for as many as 30,000 lung cancer deaths per year among both smokers and non-smokers. It is found to be more prevalent in minority communities, particularly low-income or government housing. One in every 15 American homes have detectable levels of radon. A radon mitigation service is needed to eliminate this harmful gas. HOW IT KILLS Lung cancer develops when cells in the lung grow out of control and, as it continues to spread, makes breathing more difficult. Exposure to cigarette smoke and other pollutants damage the lung and increase the likelihood for those cells to change and grow abnormally. The more exposure, the greater the risk. Early in the disease, a person with lung cancer may show no symptoms. As it worsens, the person may develop pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood. The cancer can also spread to other parts of the body. Only 1 out of 7 Americans with lung cancer survives more than five years past diagnosis. Black men are dying at the highest rate of all groups, with black women dying at rates closer to that of white women. But, across all groups, the survival rate improves if lung cancer is found early. HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED The incidence and rate of death have gone down for all men in recent years, yet black men still comprise most of the cases. The rates have held steady among U.S. women. The CDC recently applauded the push for tobacco control the last 10 years. In 2000, no states had smoke-free laws. Now, 26 states do. Federal and state excise taxes on cigarettes have increased on average by $1.45 per pack since 2000 in an effort to deter smokers from purchasing cigarettes. The FDA’s ban on flavored cigarettes was aimed at preventing youth smoking. (more…)

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