Lung cancer is leading cause of cancer death for men and women

SANDUSKY — Lung cancer is the second-most common cancer in both men and women, and caused an estimated 142,600 deaths in the United States this year, according to the American Cancer Society.It's the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women. Despite the grim outlook, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer.Types of lung cancerThere are two types of lung cancer, small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer. The names refer to how the cancer cells appear under a microscope.Small cell lung cancer tends to grow and spread faster than non-small cell lung cancer, and is common in heavy smokers.Lung cancer often spreads, or metastasizes, to other areas of the body, like bones and the brain.ScreeningSeveral types of screenings for lung cancer have been tested:• Low-dose spiral CT scan: Uses low-dose radiation to take detailed pictured of areas inside the body. An x-ray machine scans the body in a spiral path.• Chest x-ray: An x-ray image of the organs and bones inside the chest.• Sputum cytology: Procedure where sputum, mucus coughed up from the lungs, is viewed under a microscope to search for cancer cells.PreventionWhile lung cancer can develop in any person, people who smoke have a greater risk of developing lung cancer.Some factors that increase risk of lung cancer include:• Smoking, and exposure to secondhand smoke.• Exposure to radon gas. Unsafe levels of radon can accumulate in a home.• Exposure to asbestos and harmful carcinogens in the workplace, including arsenic, chromium and nickel.• Having a family history of lung cancer.While there's not a sure way to prevent lung cancer, taking these steps can reduce your risk:• Don't start smoking, or quit if you do smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke.• Test your home for radon. Go to your local health department or the American Lung Association for information on radon testing.• Avoid exposure to carcinogens. If you're given a face mask for protection, wear it always.• Eat fruits and vegetables, and exercise regularly.Sources: The Mayo Clinic, National Cancer Institute and American Cancer SocietyA view of a close up of a lung x-ray of a cigarette smoker. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for men and women in the United States.