Many people are aware of lung cancer. More than 219,000 new cases were diagnosed in the United States, and more than 159,000 people in the United States died from lung cancer. Most people are also aware that smoking,

asbestos, and other harmful substances can cause lung cancer. However, what many people don’t know is that there are two specific types of lung cancer that have very different causes and treatments: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Understanding the difference between the two types of cancer can help patients and families best consider their options.