When you hear the words lung cancer, you may think you already know the facts. Many people believe lung cancer only happens to smokers or that there’s nothing you can do to catch it early. These ideas are common, but they aren’t always true.
Lung cancer happens when abnormal cells grow out of control in one or both lungs. These cells can form a tumor and make it hard for your lungs to do their job: bringing oxygen into your body. Over time, lung cancer can also spread to other parts of the body if it’s not treated.
Lung cancer myths can cause concern, shame and delays in care. They can prevent people from being screened or from asking questions that could save their lives.
We spoke with Brett Broussard, MD, a thoracic surgeon with Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, to help us break down common myths about lung cancer and ways to protect your health.
Myth #1: Only people who smoke get lung cancer
Fact: Anyone can get lung cancer. Smoking is the main risk factor, but people who never smoked can get it too. Dr. Broussard says that 10% to 20% of new lung cancer cases are in people who have never smoked.
“We know that smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. That's why there are many public health campaigns to help people stop smoking,” Dr. Broussard said. “However, these campaigns sometimes make it seem like only smokers get lung cancer, which isn't true.”
Other factors can increase your risk for lung cancer, including:
- Secondhand smoke
- Radon gas in your home
- Workplace exposure, such as asbestos, arsenic, chromium or other chemicals
- Air pollution
- A family history of the disease
- Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Radiation exposure, including radiation therapy to the breast or chest area
It is important to note, however, that the risk from radiation exposure is minor and the benefits of radiation therapy as a cancer treatment far outweigh the risk.
In contrast, secondhand smoke alone can raise your risk by 20% to 30%. Even if you’ve never smoked, long-term exposure can damage lung tissue over time.
Myth #2: Lung cancer is always fatal
Fact: It is true that lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, but lung cancer outcomes are improving every year.
“Historically, lung cancer outcomes were poor and that idea has stuck,” Dr. Broussard said. “But advances in treatment for early and late stages have greatly improved how patients do.”
For early-stage lung cancer, surgery alone can cure 60% to 90% of patients. Even in some advanced cases, modern therapies are extending life and improving quality of life.
New options include:
- Targeted radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Less invasive surgery (e.g., robotic surgery)
- Personalized treatment plans
- Targeted therapies based on tumor genetics
“In many cases, tumors are tested for specific mutations that allow us treat the cancer directly,” Dr. Broussard said. “This means traditional chemotherapy might not always be needed. In regard to surgery, minimally invasive lung surgery (robotic surgery) can mean shorter hospital stays, less pain after surgery and getting back to daily life sooner.”
Myth #3: Lung cancer always causes early symptoms
Fact: Lung cancer often has no symptoms at first.
“Lung cancer is often diagnosed later because early-stage lung cancers are often silent, meaning patients usually have no symptoms,” Dr. Broussard said. “For symptoms to develop, the cancer has to grow to a significant size or potentially spread to other parts of the body.”
Another reason late diagnosis occurs is that some of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer can overlap with other common conditions, like an upper respiratory infection.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- A cough that doesn’t go away
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood or rust colored phlegm
- Ongoing fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Voice changes or persistent hoarseness
- Frequent lung infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
- Pain in the shoulder or arm
- Swelling in the neck or face
- Widening of the fingertips and nailbeds known as “clubbing”
Myth #4: All lung cancers are the same
Fact: There are different types of lung cancer and they behave differently.
Lung cancer is not one single disease. “Lung cancers differ based on how they look under the microscope and how they behave,” Dr. Broussard said. “That affects prognosis and treatment.”
The two main types of lung cancer are:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Makes up 80% to 85% of cases
- Includes adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma
- Often grows more slowly
- May not cause symptoms until later stages
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
- Strongly linked to smoking
- More aggressive
- Often spreads early
Myth #5: Lung cancer screening causes cancer
Fact: Low-dose CT scans use much less radiation than regular CT scans and help save lives. The radiation exposure is low, about 1.5 millisieverts (mSv). For comparison, you receive about 3 mSv of natural background radiation each year.
“A low-dose CT scan still provides excellent images to find small lung nodules (or lumps),” Dr. Broussard said. “It does so with far less radiation than a regular CT scan.”
Who should consider lung cancer screening?
Banner MD Anderson follows the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and recommends for annual low-dose CT screening if you:
- Are 50 to 80 years old
- Have a 20 pack-year smoking history (for example: one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years)
- Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years
Learn more about lung cancer screening.
Myth #6: Young people don’t get lung cancer
Fact: Lung cancer can happen at any age.
Lung cancer is more common in older adults, but younger people can develop it too, especially those who have never smoked.
Some lung cancers in younger adults are linked to genetic changes rather than smoking. These cancers may respond well to newer treatments when found early.
No matter your age, don’t ignore ongoing symptoms or changes in your breathing.
Myth #7: All lung cancers are treated the same
Fact: Lung cancer treatment is personalized. “All lung cancers (NSCLC and SCLC) are treated differently and personalized to the patient’s overall health and wishes,” Dr. Broussard said. “An important point to make is how important staging is in lung cancer.”
Many people think of staging as a number (1, 2, 3, 4) but there is more to it. All the testing required at the time of diagnosis helps your health care team figure out what specific stage you are in.
“Each stage has specific treatment options,” Dr. Broussard said. “Treatment options in lung cancer could be surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, which could be used alone or potentially in combination.”
Learn more about lung cancer treatment.
Myth #8: There’s nothing you can do to lower your risk
Fact: You can take steps to protect your lungs. While you can’t control every risk factor, you can lower your chances by:
- Not smoking or using any form of tobacco, or quitting if you do
- Avoiding secondhand smoke
- Testing your home for radon
- Wearing protective gear at work
- Keeping up with regular checkups
Bottom line
Myths spread fear and misinformation. They can delay diagnosis, limit treatment options and isolate people who need care.
When you know the facts, you are more likely to:
- Recognize early warning signs
- Ask about screening
- Take charge of your lung health
If you’re at risk, ask about screening. If you have symptoms, speak up. If you have questions or concerns, speak with your health care provider. You can also learn more or schedule an appointment with a Banner Health specialist.
