Lung Cancer Awareness Month highlights risks and early detection tips

JOPLIN, Mo. — We hear a lot about the different kinds of cancer—everything from breast cancer and skin cancer to leukemia. But this month, lung cancer is the focus: who's at risk, what to look for, and when to seek help.

"The big push for November has always been raising awareness for patients with lung cancer, or family members that may have a risk for lung cancer."

Pulmonologist Dr. Grant Pierson points out that for patients with cancer, lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

"The vast majority of people don't present with symptoms. And so by the time they have a symptom of lung cancer, or that seems like lung cancer, it is too late," said Dr. Pierson.

This makes it even more important to be aware of your risk factors.

"Number one is going to be smoking, particularly cigarette smoking. Others, we are in a higher radon area in this portion of the country. Hazardous chemical exposures, radiation, that type of thing increase your risk for having lung cancer," said Dr. Pierson.

The majority of cases are diagnosed in patients 50 and older, but that's not always true.

"Unfortunately, we have diagnosed people with types of lung, primary lung cancers or metastatic cancers that have gone to the lung under the age of 30, even. It's very disheartening."

And there are some symptoms to keep in mind.

"So if you're having a persistent cough, shortness of breath that is unexplained, that is going on and on and on, rather than just saying, hey, I'm gonna wait a year—this type of thing—maybe, maybe you need to go in and get checked out," said Dr. Pierson.