2. Lung Cancer Leading cause of cancer deaths in women and men in the U.S. and throughout the world U.S.: New Cases: 222,520 Deaths: 157,300
3. Lung Cancer Biology Carcinoma Cancer that begins in the skin or in the tissues of the organ (this case the lung) Genetic alteration Lack of equilibrium between oncogenes and proto-oncogenes
4. Lung Cancer Small Cell Non-Small Cell Small Cell Carcinoma (Oat cell Cancer) Combined Small Cell Carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinomas Adenocarcinomas Mixed Small Cell/Large Cell Carcinoma Large Cell Carcinomas
5. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) 15% is SCLC Most aggressive Due to smoking Metastasizes quickly Has most likely spread by the time diagnosed
6. SCLC Treatment Chemotherapy Radiation Therapy Both used to relieve symptoms, not cure it Very deadly Only 6% live after five years of diagnosis Treatment often prolongs life for 6-12 months Prevention: Stop smoking Don’t start smoking
7. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Most common form of lung cancer Caused by environmental factors Smoking, secondhand smoke, air pollution, poor drinking water, etc. Treatment: Depends on the stage Surgery often first line of treatment Chemotherapy, laser therapy or photodynamic therapy
8. NSCLC (cont.) Expectations: NSCLC grows slowly Stage I: Cured with surgery 50% cured Stage II Can be cured in some cases Stage IV: Almost never cured Helped to extend and improve quality of their lives
