Lung Cancer: Epidemiology, Etiology, and Prevention

A Descriptive Study

Although most lung cancers are a result of smoking, approximately 25% of lung cancer cases worldwide are not attributable to tobacco use, accounting for over 300,000 deaths each year. Striking differences in the epidemiological, clinical and molecular characteristics of lung cancers arising in never smokers versus smokers have been identified, suggesting that they are separate entities. This Review summarizes our current knowledge of this unique and poorly understood disease.

Lung cancer in never smokers — a different disease

Lung Cancer in Never Smokers - Different Disease

American Thoracic Society Statement: Occupational contribution to the burden of airway disease.

Executive Summary: Diagnosis and Management of Lung Cancer, 3rd ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines

Improved survival in never-smokers vs current smokers with primary adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Diagnosis and Management of Lung Cancer Executive Summary: ACCP Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (2nd Edition)

Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome

Purpose of review Although rare, the eosinophilic lung diseases are being increasingly identified as distinct clinical entities. These disorders are a heterogeneous group of disorders in which there is an increased number of eosinophils in the airways and/or lung parenchyma. These disease entities may be broadly separated into airway disorders (asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis, eosinophilic bronchitis, and bronchocentric granulomatosis) and parenchymal (interstitial) disorders. This review and update will concentrate on the latter group of entities. Recent findings Recent publications in the field have concentrated on expanding the list of causative agents and clinical situations. An especially promising number of articles report advancements in the understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms behind the development of the clinical syndromes. Summary Whatever the function of the eosinophil in these disorders, it is important to remember that the disease processes lumped together as the eosinophilic lung diseases are a heterogeneous group of diseases. In an attempt to categorize these disorders, they have been connected, either appropriately or artificially, by their association with the eosinophil. Nevertheless, the eosinophilic connection may serve as a clue to pathogenesis and treatment.

Eosinophilic interstitial lung disease.

W. Michael Alberts

Papers

Executive Summary: Diagnosis and Management of Lung Cancer, 3rd ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines

Improved survival in never-smokers vs current smokers with primary adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Diagnosis and Management of Lung Cancer Executive Summary: ACCP Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (2nd Edition)

Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome

Eosinophilic interstitial lung disease.