Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers in the United States, affecting more people than breast, ovarian, and colon cancers combined. Yet misconceptions about who can develop the disease persist, according to Dr. Laurie Matt-Amaral, a medical oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Akron General.
"We see a lot of patients who get diagnosed with lung cancer and have never been a smoker," Dr. Matt-Amaral said during a recent interview for Lung Cancer Awareness Month. "They have no exposure, potentially, and the cause is really unknown."
While smoking remains a significant risk factor, Dr. Matt-Amaral explained that secondhand smoke exposure, asbestos, radon, pollution, and other environmental factors may contribute to lung cancer development. The medical community continues researching these potential triggers.
A particularly concerning trend is the increase in younger patients being diagnosed with lung cancer and other cancers. Dr. Matt-Amaral noted that in recent weeks, she has treated patients younger than herself with metastatic cancers of various types.
"There's really been a focus from a researcher's perspective," she said. "We're just seeing so much of it in younger people."
The rise in younger diagnoses may stem from both increased awareness and an actual increase in cases. Dr. Matt-Amaral observed that younger generations are more proactive about seeking medical care when symptoms appear, while researchers work to identify potential causes and preventive measures.
While vaping and marijuana use show evidence of causing lung damage, Dr. Matt-Amaral emphasized that researchers have not yet established a direct causal link to cancer. However, she noted that any changes to lung tissue DNA can increase cancer risk.
One challenge facing younger patients is being taken seriously by healthcare providers. Dr. Matt-Amaral acknowledged this concern but said the oncology community has worked to educate physicians that cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or exposure history.
"Some people have had to see two, three, four doctors to sort of get their complaints addressed and come to find out it's a real cancer," she said.
Current screening guidelines from organizations like the American College of Physicians and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have not changed, partly because researchers still do not fully understand all risk factors. However, Dr. Matt-Amaral suggested that unexplained symptoms warrant investigation.
Warning signs include a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, coughing up blood, chest discomfort, and new shortness of breath during normal activities. Dr. Matt-Amaral stressed that coughing up blood requires emergency attention.
For those who smoke, Cleveland Clinic Akron General offers a smoking cessation program with specialized nurses who help patients access resources and develop quit plans. Dr. Matt-Amaral recommends a gradual approach rather than quitting cold turkey, such as reducing cigarette use by one or two per day or per week.
Treatment advances, particularly immunotherapy, have improved outcomes for lung cancer patients. Dr. Matt-Amaral said researchers continue developing new drugs and personalized treatment approaches based on each patient's specific cancer characteristics.
"I always look forward to being able to tell someone, hey, your cancer has this molecular abnormality, but good news, I have a drug to go with it," she said.
Clinical trials are available locally through Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Cleveland Clinic's main campus, as well as through other major medical centers in the region and nationwide. Dr. Matt-Amaral encouraged patients to discuss clinical trial options with their oncologists.
Her message for Lung Cancer Awareness Month is clear: lung cancer can happen to anyone. The best defense is open communication with healthcare providers, attention to symptoms, and smoking cessation for those who smoke.