Individuals who live with smokers, or who work in an office with smokers,
have likely been exposed to second hand smoke. Many non-smokers believe that
their risk of developing lung cancer is slim because they have never used
tobacco products. However, the tobacco released into the air when a smoker
exhales contains enough toxins to affect those around them. Those who inhale
second hand smoke on a daily basis have an extremely high risk of developing
lung cancer. Sadly, many non-smokers have developed lung cancer, while their
tobacco using relatives continue to lead relatively healthy lives. Even when
tobacco use ends, a smoker and non-smoker remain at high risk of lung cancer.
Nonetheless, a person's risk of developing cancer decreases the longer they
remain tobacco free.
Types of Lung Cancer
The two types of lung cancer include small cell lung cancer and non-small
cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common and accounts for
approximately
75 – 80% of all lung cancer cases. The other 20% are small cell lung cancer.
This form of cancer is slow progressing.
Non-small cell lung cancer includes:
Adenocarcinoma:
Account for approximately 35% to 40% of non–small cell lung cancers Begins
on the outside of the lung. This form of non-small cell cancer could
potentially spread to lymph nodes, tissues, and organs. This cancer
affects women nonsmokers, and past smokers.
Squamous cell
carcinoma: Accounts for approximately 25% to 35% of non-small
cell cancers. Generally begins in the bronchial tubes, and progresses
slower than other forms of non–small cell cancer.
Large cell carcinoma:
Accounts for approximately 5% to 10% of all non-small cell lung cancers.
This cancer begins near the surface of the lung.