Recognize Symptoms And Take Steps To Help Reduce Risk
Cancer experts at ThedaCare are marking Lung Cancer Awareness Month by helping to clarify misinformation surrounding the disease and encouraging people to get screened to help reduce their risk.
“For a couple of reasons, lung cancer is surrounded with more bias than other types of cancer, making it easier for people to underestimate their risk,” said Ryan Engel, DO, an oncologist with ThedaCare Cancer Care. “It’s important for people to get the facts so they can recognize concerning symptoms, know when to get screened and take steps to help reduce their risk.”
Dr. Engel separated fact from fiction to help increase awareness and understanding of lung cancer prevention, symptoms, causes, treatment options and more.
“And as is the case with all types of cancer, early detection can lead to better outcomes,” he said. “Awareness and knowledge can have a big impact.”
Myth: Lung Cancer Only Affects Smokers
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer but that’s not the full story. According to the American Cancer Society, one in five people with lung cancer have never smoked or have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.
Common causes of lung cancer in non-smokers include radon exposure (especially common in Wisconsin), secondhand smoke, workplace exposure to substances such as asbestos and diesel exhaust, air pollution and a family history or genetic predisposition to lung cancer.
“It’s important for everyone to understand their risk, whether they have a history of smoking and tobacco use or not,” Dr. Engel said.
Myth: Symptoms Are Obvious
Lung cancer often causes few to no symptoms in its early stages. When it does start to show symptoms, it’s often progressed to a later stage. That can feel unsettling. Paying attention to subtle changes and reaching out early can provide reassurance.
“The symptoms of lung cancer also can be subtle and mimic common illnesses like colds and upper respiratory infections,” Dr. Engel said. “Pay attention to what’s normal for you and don’t wait to talk with your doctor about symptoms that concern you.”
Symptoms of lung cancer may include a cough that doesn’t go away and worsens over time, hoarseness, persistent chest pain, shortness of breath or wheezing, frequent lung infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia and coughing up blood. Advanced-stage lung cancer symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, headaches, bone pain or fractures and blood clots.
Myth: Quitting Smoking Eliminates Lung Cancer Risk
“First, quitting smoking is a huge accomplishment that’s worth celebrating,” Dr. Engel said. “It’s one of the most consequential positive steps anyone can take for their health.”
For people who have a history of smoking, getting screened for lung cancer remains important. A low-dose CT scan is the recommended screening for people who meet certain criteria, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. It’s a quick and easy test.
The ACS said only 18.7% of people who are eligible for a low-dose CT scan get the test.
Myth: Lung Cancer Is Always Fatal
Catching lung cancer in its early stages may lead to the best chance of an improved outcome, Dr. Engel said. Increasing screening among eligible people can help make that possible.
According to the ACS, lung cancer has an overall 32% five-year survival rate for non-small-cell lung cancer and a 9% five-year survival rate for small cell lung cancer.
“The good news is that research and treatments continue to evolve,” Dr. Engel said. “People with lung cancer have reason for hope and optimism.”
In addition to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, treatments can include immunotherapy and procedures like Aliya Pulsed Electric Field and Bispecific T-cell Engager (BiTE) therapy. Aliya uses an electrified needle to direct high-voltage, high-frequency electrical pulses into cancerous tumors. BiTE therapy is a treatment option for small cell lung cancer.
Myth: Quitting Smoking Is Enough
Quitting is not the only step a person can take.
“Small changes can add up,” Dr. Engel said. “In addition to taking care of your overall health through eating a balanced diet, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and getting plenty of sleep, you can take specific steps to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer.”
Those steps include reducing radon exposure, staying away from secondhand smoke, keeping the home smoke-free, wearing protective gear if working with hazardous materials and getting regular checkups.
“Awareness can lead to action and create a tide of positive change when it comes to lung cancer detection and outcomes,” Dr. Engel said. “Know and reduce your risk, watch for symptoms and stay on top of LDCT screening if you qualify.”
Visit ThedaCare Primary Care for more information about lung cancer risks, symptoms and screening options or speak with a healthcare provider.
About ThedaCare
For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including 10 hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. ThedaCare is part of Froedtert ThedaCare, Wisconsin’s most comprehensive healthcare system.
Date posted: November 13, 2026