INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, shedding light on one of the deadliest cancers in the United States.

Lung cancer is the most deadly cancer in America, accounting for 1 in 4 of all cancer deaths. More men die of lung cancer than prostate and colon cancer combined, and more women die of lung cancer than breast cancer.

WISH-TV Medical Expert Dr. Janel Gordon joined News 8 to speak on the risk factors, symptoms, and life style changes that might stave off this deadly disease.

Gordon says while 80 – 90% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking, but other cases are caused by the rarer, more aggressive small cell lung cancer.

What are other risk factors for lung cancer? 

• Secondhand smoke 
• Radiation therapy to breast or chest 
• Occupational exposure to asbestos, chromium, nickel, arsenic, soot, tar and diesel exhaust  
• Exposure to radon  
• Living in areas with high air pollution 

She also explains the common symptoms of lung cancer, like chronic coughing, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, or even coughing up blood.

But unfortunately, Gordon says, symptoms of lung cancer don’t typically appear until later stages of the disease. “So, if it’s early on, a person may feel fine and not even realize that they have cancer,” she said.

When it comes to risk factors, Gordon says prolonged environmental exposures to secondhand smoke and dangerous chemicals are major.

“Especially if it’s inside your home or in a workplace,” she said. “Similarly, occupational exposures to certain chemicals such as soot or tar, for example. Our firefighters come into contact with that a lot, those who often work with diesel exhaust.”

What screening exists? 

The United States Preventive Task Force recommends an annual low-dose CT scan of the chest for individuals ages 50-80 years old with a 20 year pack history of smoking, who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. For example, a person who smoked 1 pack per day for 2 years or 2 packs per day for 10 years has a 20 pack year history. Early screening could cure an individual.

Unfortunately, only 6% of eligible Americans are routinely screened. 

What is the prognosis? 

It varies on a case by case basis; however, if caught early, there is a 5 year survival rate of 60% for Stage I.  

How can you prevent it? 

Do not start smoking and stop if you do. This includes cigars. Unfortunately, we do not have a ton of data on marijuana and lung cancer given its long-term history of being illegal. As e-cigarettes and vaping are a newer trend, data is lacking there as well. Smoking is very addictive and takes most individuals several attempts before they quit for good. Please speak with your doctor about medications and services that may help you stop. 

For those working with hazardous chemicals mentioned above, please follow your occupational policies.