Benefits Corner

Lung Cancer

Submitted by Anna Roussel, Creative Writer, Educational Benefits

In 2019, the CDC reported that 53 new lung and bronchus cancer cases were reported for every 100,000 people in the United States. In Arkansas, 72.9 cases were reported for every 100,000 people. As the third most common cancer in the United States, it is important to take necessary steps in preventing your chances of lung cancer.

The American Cancer Society lists several possible risk factors of lung cancer, including but not limited to: tobacco smoke, secondhand smoke, and exposure to radon or asbestos. These are factors within our control, and the elimination of them in our daily lives can mean the difference between a diagnosis or healthy lungs. Other causes, such as air pollution or a family history of lung cancer, are out of our control.

When experiencing symptoms such as extreme chest pain, hoarseness, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath, the American Cancer Society encourages practicing caution and speaking with your doctor. While these symptoms can be caused by something else, it’s important to get treated for whatever is causing them right away. Get ahead of the cancer before it gets ahead of you, and start considering adding cancer insurance to your benefits package to ensure peace of mind in every circumstance.