Lung Cancer | Louisiana Department of Health
Source: http://dhh.louisiana.gov/office-of-public-health/lung-cancer
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
Lung Cancer | Louisiana Department of Health
Community Health & Wellness
Cancer
Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in both men and women in the U.S.
In men,
prostate cancer
is more common, while
breast cancer
is more common in women.
In Louisiana,
lung cancer is the number one leading cause of cancer death. It is important to know that l
ung cancer can happen in people who have never smoked.
The two main types of lung cancer are:
Non-small cell (Most cancers are non-small cell)
Small cell (Less common, but grows & spreads faster)
Signs & Symptoms
A new cough that doesn't go away
Chest pain
Coughing up blood, even a small amount
Hoarseness
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Sometimes, there are zero symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body. These may include:
Bone pain
Headache
Losing weight without trying
Loss of appetite
Swelling in the face or neck
Risk Factors & Behaviors
Smoking
Air pollution
Family history
Hiv infection
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Exposure to radon, asbestos & other chemicals such as arsenic and coal products
There's no definitive way to prevent lung cancer - but as with most cancers - eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol use may reduce risk. Don’t smoke, or quit smoking if you already do.
Get your home tested for radon
.
Testing
Imaging tests
Sputum cytology
Biopsy
Screening with an annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scanning is considered the gold standard for early detection of lung cancer. LDCT creates detailed images of the lungs with significantly less radiation than a chest X-ray.
If you meet the below criteria, you should get a yearly lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan:
Age: 50-80 years
Smoking History: 20+ pack years (1 pack/day for 20 years, 2 packs/day for 10 years, etc.)
Smoking status: Current smoker or quit within the last 15 years
Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about screening tests to help you understand what’s recommended for you. It is important to know your risk factors for some cancers and screening guidance.
Treatment Options
Wedge resection
Segmental resection
Lobectomy
Pneumonectomy
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy
Stereotactic body radiotherapy
Immunotherapy
Local Resources
Louisiana Cancer Prevention and Control Programs: Lung Cancer
Ochsner Health: Lung Cancer
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center: Lung Cancer
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
National Resources
National Cancer Institute: Lung Cancer
American Cancer Society: Lung Cancer
CDC: Lung Cancer
American Lung Association
Lung Cancer Foundation of America
Lung Cancer Research Foundation
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
GO2 for Lung Cancer
Surgeon General
Evelyn Griffin, MD
Secretary
Bruce D. Greenstein
Powered by
Cicero Government
Community Health & Wellness
Cancer
Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in both men and women in the U.S.
In men,
prostate cancer
is more common, while
breast cancer
is more common in women.
In Louisiana,
lung cancer is the number one leading cause of cancer death. It is important to know that l
ung cancer can happen in people who have never smoked.
The two main types of lung cancer are:
Non-small cell (Most cancers are non-small cell)
Small cell (Less common, but grows & spreads faster)
Signs & Symptoms
A new cough that doesn't go away
Chest pain
Coughing up blood, even a small amount
Hoarseness
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Sometimes, there are zero symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body. These may include:
Bone pain
Headache
Losing weight without trying
Loss of appetite
Swelling in the face or neck
Risk Factors & Behaviors
Smoking
Air pollution
Family history
Hiv infection
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Exposure to radon, asbestos & other chemicals such as arsenic and coal products
There's no definitive way to prevent lung cancer - but as with most cancers - eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol use may reduce risk. Don’t smoke, or quit smoking if you already do.
Get your home tested for radon
.
Testing
Imaging tests
Sputum cytology
Biopsy
Screening with an annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scanning is considered the gold standard for early detection of lung cancer. LDCT creates detailed images of the lungs with significantly less radiation than a chest X-ray.
If you meet the below criteria, you should get a yearly lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan:
Age: 50-80 years
Smoking History: 20+ pack years (1 pack/day for 20 years, 2 packs/day for 10 years, etc.)
Smoking status: Current smoker or quit within the last 15 years
Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about screening tests to help you understand what’s recommended for you. It is important to know your risk factors for some cancers and screening guidance.
Treatment Options
Wedge resection
Segmental resection
Lobectomy
Pneumonectomy
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy
Stereotactic body radiotherapy
Immunotherapy
Local Resources
Louisiana Cancer Prevention and Control Programs: Lung Cancer
Ochsner Health: Lung Cancer
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center: Lung Cancer
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
National Resources
National Cancer Institute: Lung Cancer
American Cancer Society: Lung Cancer
CDC: Lung Cancer
American Lung Association
Lung Cancer Foundation of America
Lung Cancer Research Foundation
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
GO2 for Lung Cancer
Surgeon General
Evelyn Griffin, MD
Secretary
Bruce D. Greenstein
Powered by
Cicero Government