Smoking is responsible for almost 90% of lung cancer cases and is the biggest risk factor. Other factors that can increase lung cancer risk include exposure to radon, air pollution, and carcinogens. There are often very few symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer, and only 15% of cases are found before spreading to other parts of the body. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke can help lower lung cancer risk.

1. More people die from
lung cancer every year
than from colon, breast
and prostate cancer—
combined!
Adena Health Systems 1

2. Smoking is responsible
for almost 90% of lung
cancer cases. Smoking
yourself is the biggest
risk factor, but living
with a smoker also puts
you at risk.
Adena Health Systems 2

3. Other factors for lung
cancer:
 Exposure to radon
 Exposure to carcinogens
 Air pollution
Adena Health Systems 3

4. There are very few
symptoms in the
early stages of lung
cancer. In fact, only 15%
of lung cancers are
found before they have
spread to other parts of
the body.
Adena Health Systems 4

5. Know the signs
 Cough that does not
go away or coughing
up blood
 Trouble breathing or
shortness of breath
 Continuous chest pain
 Hoarse voice
 Frequent lung infections,
like pneumonia
 Fatigue
Adena Health Systems 5

6. If you are or were a
heavy smoker, you may
qualify for a screening,
called a low-dose spiral
CT scan, which can
help detect lung cancer
in its early stages.
Adena Health Systems 6

7. To qualify, you must:
 Be 55-74 years old
 Have smoked a pack of
cigarettes daily for 30
years or more
 Be currently smoking
or have quit less than
15 years ago
 Other conditions also
may put you at high risk
and qualify you for the
screening
Adena Health Systems 7

8. The Adena Lung Nodule
Program can help you
determine your risk of
lung cancer and whether
you qualify for this
screening.
To learn more,
call 740-779-8700.
Adena Health Systems 8

9. You can lower your risk
of lung cancer by taking
these steps:
 Quit smoking
 Eat a healthy diet
 Maintain a healthy weight
 Exercise regularly
 Limit your exposure
to secondhand smoke
and environmental factors
Adena Health Systems 9

10. Once you quit smoking,
you’ll see immediate
benefits:
 After 20 minutes – your
heart rate and blood
pressure drops
 After 2 weeks-3 months –
your circulation improves
and your lung function
increases
 After 1-9 months –
coughing will decrease
and your breathing will
improve
Adena Health Systems 10

11. And the benefits
continue throughout
your life:
 After 1 year – your risk of
coronary heart disease
reduces to 50% of a
smoker’s risk
 After 5-15 years – your
risk of stroke and coronary
heart disease equals that
of a non-smoker
Adena Health Systems 11