Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer and the leading cancer killer in the United States. It is responsible for nearly one-third of cancer deaths.

Lung cancer is increasing in this country. More than 150,000 Americans are expected to die from lung cancer this year. Dr. Stephen Hazelrigg, professor and chief of cardiothoracic surgery at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, explains risk factors for lung cancer.

[audio:siulung1.mp3]Dr. Hazelrigg on risk factors[/audio]

Dr. Hazelrigg, who also is a member of the Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU, says secondhand smoke is another risk factor. He says no widely-used screening tool is available for lung cancer, so most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, usually by a chest X-ray. He explains some of the symptoms of lung cancer.

[audio:siulung2.mp3]Dr Hazelrigg on cancer symptoms[/audio]

Dr. Hazelrigg encourages people to stop smoking to lower their risk of lung cancer. If you or someone you know has a persistent cough and chest pain, a personal physician can provide a thorough exam or make a referral to a specialist for further testing.