The Dangers of Lung Cancer

By:Layna Harris

Despite the growing amount of research on the prevention of lung cancer, it still remains one of the top killers in the United States and even worldwide. According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in America. It is clear that lung cancer is dangerous, but it can be prevented. The number one cause of lung cancer, as stated by the CDC, is smoking cigarettes. Therefore, if you do not smoke, do not start!

First off, what exactly is lung cancer? Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs and can spread to other organs in the body. There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell and non-small cell. Small-cell lung cancer is much more dangerous and aggressive. Symptoms of lung cancer can at times be hard to identify clearly. These symptoms include a worsening cough, shortness of breath, called dyspnea, loss of appetite, coughing up blood, and shoulder pain. The problem with the early effects of lung cancer is that it is similar to a multitude of other conditions.

Why does smoking cause lung cancer? The main reason lung cancer develops is due to carcinogens. The NHGRI describes a carcinogen as “a substance, organism, or agent capable of causing cancer.” Tobacco happens to be a very common example of one. When someone inhales the smoke of a cigarette, the tobacco and other chemicals enter and irritate the lungs. Repeatedly performing this addictive motion greatly increases a person’s chances of developing lung cancer, as the lungs are continuously exposed to toxic chemicals.

Breaking the habit. The action of quitting smoking is not easy, but it can absolutely be done. The first thing that can help with quitting is telling a trusted family member or friend that you are stopping. They will be there to give you encouragement and assist you during the difficult time. Next, you should designate a stop date in your calendar. If it is a deep addiction, it would be beneficial to start by slowly decreasing the amount you smoke instead of quitting instantly. This way of stopping will increase the likelihood that you continue on the right path. Then, try replacing the habit with something more positive. Some people smoke to relax. Therefore, implementing a new relaxing activity can help break the desire for nicotine. A good example of a positive habit is exercise. Establishing an exercise group can help someone starting out get more consistent. Finally, do not lose hope! Some days may be harder than others. Talk to people who can help you out and get you through the tough days. By quitting, the chances of someone getting lung cancer are drastically lower compared to if they continued to smoke.

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Works Cited

Association, American Lung. “Lung Cancer Awareness Month.” Www.lung.org, www.lung.org/lung-force/about-lung-force/featured-campaigns/lung-cancer-awareness-month.

Prolife Cancer Centre. “Trupti Bambale.” Prolife Cancer Centre, 7 July 2022, prolifecancercentre.co.in/danger-of-smoking-lung-cancer/.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Lung Cancer Risk Factors.” Lung Cancer, 13 Feb. 2025, www.cdc.gov/lung-cancer/risk-factors/index.html.

Cleveland Clinic. “Lung Cancer.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 31 Oct. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4375-lung-cancer.

Hutter, Carolyn. “Carcinogen.” Genome.gov, 2023, www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Carcinogen.