Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a common disease with around 200,000 cases being diagnosed each year. Lung cancer information abounds on the Web, coming from people and organizations all around the globe. Whether you're looking for an overview, descriptions of causes and treatments, places to find support or the latest research, the sites below provide a foundation for your research.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat Is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is the most devastating form of cancer, responsible for more deaths worldwide than any other. Its strong connection to cigarette smoking and exposure to industrial air pollutants also means it's largely a preventable one. The sites presented in this section contain descriptions that explain what lung cancer is.
Insights for Lung Cancer
- Prior to learning about lung cancer, you may find it helpful to develop a basic understanding of cancer. One way to do so is by consulting this FAQ page supplied by the American Cancer Society.
Top Sites for Lung Cancer
LungCancer.org
offers an overview of cancer. Get information on the genetics of lung cancer, statistics and more.
MedlinePlus
has an interactive tutorial on the basics of lung cancer. It's also presented in a text format for printing, and a Spanish language version.
National Cancer Institute
describes what the lungs are and what they do. Use the links on the left to navigate to different lung cancer topics. If you come across words that you don't understand, the Institute provides a glossary where you can search for the word or term.
Mayo Clinic
does a great job of explaining the anatomy of the lungs, how cancer forms and the leading causes of lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Types
There are two primary types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for roughly 20 percent and 80 percent of the total cases, respectively. In this section you'll find sites with explanations to help distinguish between lung cancer types.
Insights for Lung Cancer Types
- The subtle differences in lung cancer are significant to the approaches a doctor might take with respect to treatment. As a result, it's important to be aware of what type is being addressed when you're reading information online.
- Cancer terms are often unfamiliar, and can be confusing. If you're encountering hard-to-decipher jargon in your reading, consult a cancer glossary for clarification.
Top Sites for Lung Cancer Types
Cancer Research UK
describes the difference between lung cancer that starts in the lungs and cancer that has moved to the lungs. The different types of lung cancer are also discussed.
MedicineNet
explains the different types and subtypes of lung cancer.
Global Lung Cancer Coalition
focuses on the different types of lung cancer. Read some statistics about lung cancer, a brief explanation of what it is, and then learn about the types of lung cancer.
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
covers mesothelioma, one of the rarer forms of lung cancer.
National Cancer Institute
provides this question-and-answer section on mesothelioma. Key words are linked to definitions. Non-small cell lung cancer and the different subtypes are explained, accompanied by a diagram showing the anatomy of the respiratory system and how cancer affects it. Small cell lung cancer is also covered.
Lung Cancer Causes and Risks
Cigarette smoking and sustained exposure to certain airborne substances are widely understood and accepted causes of lung cancer. Despite this knowledge, there are still causes that aren't fully understood. The sites below address lung cancer causes and risks.
Insights for Lung Cancer Causes and Risks
- One of the most compelling reasons to avoid cigarette smoking is its correlation with lung cancer. The sites in the section, and in the guide as a whole, host information that can help parents and teachers make strong arguments to prevent or dissuade children, friends and family members from developing a habit.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extensive information on the effects of tobacco use, as well as programs to control smoking.
Top Sites for Lung Cancer Causes and Risks
Siteman Cancer Center
has a disease risk quiz for lung cancer. After answering the questions, you are told where your risk for developing lung cancer lies. The authors also offer tips on how to lower your risk.
National Cancer Institute
reviews the known risk factors for developing lung cancer, as well as some suspected risk factors.
eMedicineHealth
covers the known causes of lung cancer, including occupations that can increase the risk of developing the disease.
Lung Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis
Lung cancer manifests in many ways. Learn how to recognize lung cancer symptoms and understand the approach your doctor might take toward making a diagnosis.
Insights for Lung Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis
- There are different diagnostic procedures for small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The American Cancer Society has overviews of the processes for each on its Web site.
Top Sites for Lung Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis
For lung cancer symptoms ...
Mayo Clinic
has a brief summary of lung cancer symptoms.
Merck Manual
describes the lung cancer symptoms and complications; scroll down the page to find the information.
For diagnostic tests ...
American College of Chest Physicians
has a 16-page booklet in PDF format entitled "What If I Have a Spot on My Lung? Do I Have Cancer?" This booklet reviews the basics of lung cancer and then explains the various tests that may be done, including x-rays, biopsies and scans.
National Cancer Institute
lists the tests that doctors use to diagnose lung cancer. Each test's name is linked to a definition to help you understand the terminology. Also read about the process of "staging" the lung cancer.
Harvard Health Publications
covers various medical tests and what they are. Click on "Lungs" to find a list of the diagnostic tests performed on the lungs. Each test is linked to a description of how it's conducted, how to prepare for it, why it's needed, any risks and how long it usually takes to get the results.
Lung Cancer Treatment
There are several types of lung cancer and every type of lung cancer can have several different treatments. Use the Web sites below to review the latest information on lung cancer treatment.
Insights for Lung Cancer Treatment
- A reputable health site is straightforward with details concerning how up-to-date its information is. As lung cancer is a disease characterized by continual research, it's important that the information you're getting isn't outdated. If a site says it was last updated in May 2000, move along to something else.
Top Sites for Lung Cancer Treatment
For general lung cancer treatment information ...
Lung Cancer Alliance
has a list of questions you should ask your doctor or health care team if you are diagnosed with lung cancer.
National Cancer Institute
provides information on lung cancer treatments. There is a list of questions that you may want to ask before treatment begins.
WebMD
offers a lot of information on lung cancer. This article, entitled "Lung Cancer: Cutting-Edge Treatments," discusses the more recent treatments being used to fight lung cancer.
For radiology information ...
RT Answers
has information on radiation therapy for lung cancer. Use the links on the right to find facts on lung cancer, and information on external beam radiation and internal radiation.
RadiologyInfo
reviews a lung cancer treatment called radiofrequency ablation. Learn how to prepare for the procedure, what equipment is used, how it's done and what you may experience during the procedure. This information is also available in Spanish.
For finding a lung cancer treatment program or doctor ...
CTSNet
has a searchable database for you to find a cardiothoracic surgeon in your area. If you don't know the name of a specific surgeon, click on "Advanced Member Search" to look for surgeons by city or state.
Lung Cancer Online
provides a database of lung cancer programs across the United States. To find the one nearest you, click on your state.
Living With Lung Cancer
There are many different issues you may face while fighting lung cancer. Use the sites below to find valuable advice on living with lung cancer.
Insights for Living With Lung Cancer
- The side effects, complications and day-to-day struggles of living with lung cancer can be a great strain. These sites can help you prepare for the challenges ahead, and offer advice on coping during this difficult time.
Top Sites for Living With Lung Cancer
Cancer.Net
provides information on how to go about seeking a second opinion after you are told you have cancer.
eMedicineHealth
touches on the topic of what happens after cancer treatment, from follow-up procedures to hospice care. Outlook statistics can provide some hope to those with lung cancer.
National Cancer Institute
points out that fighting cancer can lead to other physical and emotional problems. If the fight is not successful, comfort care is needed. Read information and advice on dealing with fatigue, depression and pain, as well as the side effects of cancer treatment.
WebMD
offers helpful information on "Coping With Cancer." The authors discuss stress reduction and relaxation as methods to cope with the diagnosis and treatment. The next page addresses where to find support.
American College of Chest Physicians
offers a 12-page PDF booklet entitled "Living with Lung Cancer." The booklet reviews treatment options and results of clinical studies. The college also offers another 12-page booklet entitled "Advanced Lung Cancer: Issues To Consider." This booklet reviews palliative (comfort) care, legal issues and the importance of talking to others about your future.
Lung Cancer Support
The Internet has a variety of resources to connect lung cancer patients and caregivers so that they can share their knowledge, experience and support. Use the sites below to access all kinds of lung cancer support.
Insights for Lung Cancer Support
- Don't forget that the people with whom you are chatting don't know you, and you don't know them. It's easy to fall into a comfortable, trusting relationship with others on the Internet who are experiencing the same issues as you. Just be as careful as you would in person.
- Many Web sites dedicated to diseases such as lung cancer provide newsletters for their members. By signing up, you can receive the site's latest news in your e-mail box.
Top Sites for Lung Cancer Support
Lung Cancer Alliance
has several links to support resources like a community for survivors and their caregivers, a toll-free line to call for real-time support, a phone buddy program and a list of support groups across the United States.
LUNGevity Foundation
offers an active support community for people with lung cancer. Register for free and join any of the ongoing discussions or start your own. There are also live chats available for survivors, family members and spouses of those with lung cancer.
Inspire
hosts a lung cancer survivors group. Register to make use of several useful sections like discussion boards, blogs written by other survivors and a social networking tool where you can connect with others.
Cancer.Net
offers helpful information on coping with lung cancer. The links lead to topics like emotional and physical matters, relationships and end-of-life care, to name a few.
Lung Cancer Research
Lung cancer research is ongoing. Hundreds of millions of dollars are allocated each year toward the goal of understanding this disease so that it can be more effectively treated and prevented. Whether you want to read about the latest findings, learn about current research or participate in a clinical trial, this section has the Web sites you need.
Insights for Lung Cancer Research
- An easy way to find the latest cancer news headlines is to visit the health news Web site HealthDay and enter "lung cancer" in the keyword box on the right side of the page.
- Dates matter in lung cancer research. When reading study findings, check to see when they were published or when the Web site was last updated.
Top Sites for Lung Cancer Research
Lung Cancer Online
has a list of online medical journals that are related to lung cancer. The majority of the journals are subscription-only for the articles, but the general public is usually able to access the abstracts.
Cancer Research UK
has a searchable database of clinical trials in the United Kingdom. Choose which type of cancer you are searching for or use the "Advanced Search" to find clinical trials in your location.
Lung Cancer Alliance
provides a clinical trials database so you can search for clinical trials in your area. They also provide a toll-free number that you can use to contact the group.
National Cancer Institute
maintains a database of cancer clinical trials across the United States. Search by type of cancer or type of trial, and enter your zip code to find a list of clinical trials in your area. The site also maintains a database of lung cancer clinical trial results.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
