Download Lung Cancer - Ontario County

Ontario County Public Health
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer begins in the lungs and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body,
such as the brain. Lung cancers usually are grouped into two main types called small cell and
non-small cell. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell lung cancer.
Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer. Lung cancer also can be caused by
using other types of tobacco (such as pipes or cigars), breathing secondhand smoke, being
exposed to substances such as asbestos or radon at home or work, and having a family history
of lung cancer.
For in depth information about lung cancer, see the National Cancer Institute’s booklet, What You Need
to Know about Lung Cancer at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/lung.