After skin cancer, lung cancer is the second most common form of the disease, with only prostate cancer for men and breast cancer for women diagnosed at higher rates.
But newer treatment options, such as robotic surgery, can improve the recovery and outcome from lung cancer surgery.
Cigarette smoking is the biggest factor in developing lung cancer, and is linked to 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths, but non-smokers can develop lung cancer, too.
There are three main types of lung cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer, which is found in about 85% of lung cancers; small-cell lung cancer, which occurs in 10% to 15% of lung cancers; and lung carcinoid tumors, which represent less than 5% of lung cancers.
Lung cancer treatment optionsOnce a lung cancer diagnosis is made, the doctor will assess the patient’s overall health condition and the disease stage to recommend treatment.