Introduction The American Cancer Society predicts that there will be about 164,100 new cases of lung cancer in the United States in the year 2000. Lung cancer is fairly rare in persons under the age of 40. The average age of persons found to have lung cancer is 60. It is becoming more common to undergo a course of radiation or chemotherapy before surgery to reduce the number of cancer cells that may have the potential to spread.
Smoking is the single most important risk factor for the development of lung cancer.
Persons who smoke cigarettes, pipes or cigars should consult with their health care provider about methods to quit as soon as possible. A variety of complementary therapies have been used by persons with all types of cancer to reduce side effects of treatments such as nausea and pain. Biofeedback and other relaxation therapies as well as acupuncture have been used to reduce stress, anxiety and general discomfort. This is the same type of information that is available to physicians and other health care professionals. Mayo Clinic Proceedings.