Lung Cancer Research Paper

Lung Cancer Research Paper


“Lung Cancer Research Essay”


COM/156 University Composition and Communication II

August 12, 2012

Instructor Valentine Angell














Lung cancer is responsible for 29% of cancer related deaths in the United States
today, and among smoking, there are a number of environmental risks associated with
the development of this disease. A very close family member passed away in
December 2006 from asbestos related lung cancer, and doctors determined that the
cause was occupational exposure. The individual was labeled as a chain smoker, and
along with the exposure to asbestos, the combination of the two significantly increased
the risk of developing lung cancer. Nonetheless, the end result was cancer winning the
battle.

Approximately 125 million people around the world work in environments
in which they are exposed to asbestos, and at least 90,000 people die from asbestos-
related lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis every year (Burki, 2009). Asbestos
exposure has been identified in some previous reviews as a possible risk factor for
ovarian cancer (Hankinson & Danforth, 2006; Ness and Cottreau, 1999; Shoham,
1994). However, this association has not been widely recognized. Generally, the life
expectancy of a patient with Mesothelioma (asbestos related lung cancer), is 4 to 18
months, with less than 10% surviving past the two year mark.

Lung cancer is considered multifactorial, meaning; many factors work together to
either cause or prevent the development of lung cancer, according to Dr. Lynne
Eldridge. Between 80 and 90% of lung cancers are caused by smoking, yet 10% of
men and 20% of women who develop the disease have never smoked. On the other
side of the equation, many people who smoke do not develop lung cancer (Eldridge,
2010). “Globally, the overall lifetime risk of lung cancer is about 1 in 13 for men and 1 in
16 for women. The risk is significantly higher for...

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