Lung Cancer is the most common form of cancer and the leading cancer killer in the United States. It's responsible for 28 percent of cancer deaths.

Lung cancer is increasing in this country, especially among females. More than 150,000 Americans expected to die from it this year. Dr. Stephen Hazelrigg, professor and chair of cardiothoracic surgery at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield explains some of the causes of lung cancer.

SOUND BITE: "Well smoking still is by far is the most common cause for lung cancer although there are many other factors in addition. Ah at least 90 percent and probably a little bit more of patients who we see with lung cancer have a significant smoking history. There are some patients however, who have lung cancer, who have not smoked. Other factors that are most common are some second hand smoke, asbestos exposure . . ."

Dr. Hazelrigg says many patients with lung cancer do not have recognizable symptoms. But, the most common symptom of lung cancer is coughing and coughing up secretions or blood. Some people experience pain in the chest, weight loss, loss of energy or loss of appetite. He says the earlier lung cancer is detected, the more likely it can be cured.

SOUND BITE: ". . . If we can catch lung cancer in the earliest stage when it is just small nodules in the lung, before they spread to lymph nodes, or other places in the body, the cure rate is 70 to 80 percent by surgically resecting them, which is pretty good. Unfortunately only about 10-15 percent of lung cancers get found at these earlier stages."

Dr. Hazelrigg is director of the new thoracic oncology program at the medical school, which uses a team of specialists. He encourages people to stop smoking to prevent the possibility of lung cancer. If you or someone you know has a persistent cough and chest pain, a family doctor can provide a thorough exam or refer you for further testing.