The body is made up of many types of cells. Normally, cells grow, divide, and produce more cells as needed to keep the body healthy and functioning properly. Sometimes, however, the process goes wrong and cells become abnormal, forming more cells in an uncontrolled way. These extra cells form a mass of tissue, called a growth or tumor. Tumors can be benign, which means not cancerous, or malignant, which means cancerous. Lung cancer occurs when a tumor forms in the tissue of the lung.

Lung cancer occurs in an estimated 170,000 new cases a years in the US. The rate of lung cancer cases appears to be dropping among white and African-American men in the United States, while it continues to rise among both white and African-American women.

There are two major types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is much more common. It usually spreads to different parts of the body more slowly than small cell lung cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma are three types of non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer also called oat cell cancer, accounts for about 20% of all lung cancer. Other types of cancer include mesothelioma which is quite rare.

There are a number of factors that may cause lung cancer. These include smoking, asbestos, radon, chemicals and air pollution. Age and hereditary also play a factor in lung cancer.
Treatment for lung cancer depends on the cancer's specific form, how far it has spread, and other factors such as the patient's age and general medical state. Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Once diagnosed and under treatment self care such as exercise, managing stress and eating well are important ways to promote your overall health. Coping with lung cancer includes maintain a strong support system, knowing what treatment to expect, spending time with friends and setting reasonable goals.