What type of cancer is the deadliest in the United States?
If you said prostate cancer or breast cancer, guess again. The deadliest cancer, according to the American Legacy Foundation, is lung cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute this year will see 213,000 new cases of lung cancer in this country and 160,000 deaths from the disease.
The numbers are staggering as we consider the lost potential of that number of people. In most cases, the loss is felt by family members, friends and colleagues who watch as these people suffer through a terrible illness and in all too many occurrences do not survive.
While smoking is the greatest cause of lung cancer, it is far from the only risk factor involved. Exposure to radon, asbestos and other substances can create a great risk for lung cancer. Air pollution, family history of lung cancer and age are also other factors involved.