My dad was diagnosed with extensive sclc within the last couple of weeks. He started chemo this past Thursday. He was diagnoseed 11 years ago with nsclc and beat that with chemo, rad, and a lobectomy in 1999. His sister died of lung cancer and his mother died of lung cancer that ultimately metastisized to her brain. They were all smokers. I am so worried that I have inherited "bad lungs" as a result. I have never even put a cigarette to my mouth, but I read all these stories about young people (I am 38 years old) who never smoked who developed lung cancer. I was certainly raised in a household where I had a lot of second hand smoke available to breathe in. Is there anything we can do be screened for this? Are there any programs out there? Any help would be appreciated.
Michele
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Family History of Lung Cancer and Screening????
- By MicheleL
- Posted June 20, 2009 at 5:09 pm · 13 replies
- In Family members and caregivers
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- By luckly1
- Posted June 24, 2009 at 9:40 pm
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cancer is in my family both my mum and my sister passed away with breast cancer,my both brothers lung cancer,i also had lung cancer mine was diagnosed at an early stage 1b went for a chest xray ist then a catscan,the only symptom i had was swollen feet dr sent me for chest xray.i wasnt a smoker myself other people in the household did,i would suggest for u to have an xray and catscan good luck n god bless
- By Ilene
- Posted June 21, 2009 at 9:51 pm
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You are at risk---mostly gentetic, but possibly abetted by 2nd-hand smoke. Any good pulmonologist or thoracic oncologist would tell you this, but it's not something you'd probably hear from your family doctor since, pending the results of a very long research protocol, there are no early detection guidelines promulgated by the National Cancer Institute.
Nevertheless, you want a reliable test, and that is a CT-scan of the lung. Do not settle for an X-Ray. By the time most lung cancers are detectable by X-Ray, they are in a advanced stage.
An early-stage cancer is much more sucepitble to surgical removal. A CT scan is a small radiation hit so it is not something you want to have every few months. But have one soon. Within two/three years, there will probably be other approved early detection techniques. If not, have another C-T scan.
Also ask about a sputum (saliva) test for genetic suceptibility. If you can find this, maybe it is the first test you should have.
What I am saying is not yet everyday advice. But it should be. So you need to find a doctor who is really up on lung cancer, and will err on the side of caution and send you for tests.
I have a doctor like this, and so six years ago I had a scan. Although I had no symptons, a first stage lung cancer was deteted, then removed.
In less then a year I felt great again, and went back to tennis. But I still get tested once a year, because if the same preconditions that produced the first cancer sent me a second one, I want to again catch it early.
Good luck,
Ilene
Good luck,
Ilene
- By jmlavey
- Posted June 21, 2009 at 4:44 pm
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Hi Michele,
There is definitely a reason for early screening. I had 3 sisters die of LC and was getting noncontrast (less radiation) chest CT scans. Diagnosed as stage 2a 5 years ago. I would suggest you consult a good pulmonary specialist to get advice before doing any testing. there is definitely genetic component to LC regardless of the smoking.
Best wishes,
Joyce
- By Farmerswife
- Posted June 21, 2009 at 3:47 pm
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Yes, hhhdai, as you have pointed out more than once on this site, there is no identified gene for lung cancer at this time. This disease is such a killer because there is no genetic marker, no approved and widely supported screening test like mammograms or colonoscopies or PSA's, and few early warning signs. But the genetic aspect is being worked on and I believe those who follow this site are in a position to help by participating in those studies.
Anyone who has a significant history of cancer in their family, smoked and/or been exposed to a lot of second hand smoke, or who has been exposed to other high risk substances should of course be screened with a CT scan and should push the medical profession to come to grips with this--whether one lives in the US, Canada or elsewhere.
Heightened awareness promotes proactive behavior.
Susan
- By hhhdai
- Posted June 21, 2009 at 2:25 pm
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lung cancer in your gene? or someone else's gene?
what gene? and who said that?
I can't stress enough the difference in saying someone has an elevated risk of cancer, vs cancer is in someone's gene. Doom, or high/ complete penetrance, is implied in the latter.
Given your family history, I'd suspect that there might be a possibility of inherited breast cancer gene mutation such as BRCA1/2, if not already known. Since BRCA functions as DNA repair gene, mutation likely leads to overall increase of cancer risk, including lung cancer.
Unless you know what specific gene(s) you are referring to, I'd say, to state that lung cancer is in your or someone's gene, is spreading misinformation. Correct me if you know what I don't. There are studies underway to understand the contribution (elevation of risk) of mutation/ polymorphism of DNA repair genes, such as ERCC2, XRCC1, in lung carcinogenesis, but I think they are quite far from concluding "lung cancer is in his/her gene".
I am all for early detection, but don't push anyone to detect that non-existent lung cancer gene.
- By GreasyM
- Posted June 21, 2009 at 1:16 pm
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Cancer is in my family. 4 sisters with breast cancer, 1 brother with prostate cancer. My mother died from lung cancer. I smoked for about 30 years.
According to the stats if lung cancer is in your genes and you smoked you have a higher than 60 % chance that you will get lung cancer.
I live in Canada.
In 2006 I enrolled in an Early Detection for Lung Cancer Program. In September 2006 I had my first CT scan which was ok. Annual follow up in Sepember 2007 the CT showed 2 suspicious nodules. Six month follow up in March 2008 showed that one of the suspect nodules had grown. A three month follow up was scheduled. Per the June 2008 Ct scan, the suspect nodule had increased in size, the width had doubled and the lenght had increasd 60 %.
Stage 111 B nsclc was diagonsed by a fine needle aspiration in July 2008. I had a full left upper lobectomy. No met and had chemo from December 2008 to March 2009, as a precaution. Last ct scan about 2 months ago, no more cancer.
I understand that an xray would not have shown my tumor. I had no symptons. CT scan is the recommended screening for early detection.
GreasyM
- By Farmerswife
- Posted June 21, 2009 at 12:25 pm
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I have understood from my reading on this important issue that early screening does save lives, though insurance in the U.S. does not always recognize this. It is also my understanding that ex-rays are not the tool to get the best result--CT scan is. I would direct those who are concerned to IELCAP.org. They provide a wealth of information and screening resources for those who are eligible.
Persistance may save your life.
Susan
- By cuddles53
- Posted June 21, 2009 at 8:38 am
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I would most definitely suggest yearly xrays, even if insurance does not cover them, they are not expensive anyway and if you have no insurance it is always cheaper for you as a patient as it would be to the insurance company. so don't let them refuse you, I have lung cancer and so did my father and also my husband, I am trying desperately to make my only daughter go and get tested. Everyone always thinks they are immune to getting things, just go and do it. good luck and we will have to pray you have a clean xray. Sandy
- By jsergeant81
- Posted June 21, 2009 at 8:24 am
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I am 27 and have adenocarcinoma. I think that with your family history, you should invest in the chest x-ray once a year. It's a small price to pay for early detection. I smoked from the time I was 17 until a few months before I was 21. I quit smoking and started running at that time. So give yourself some peice of mind and get an x-ray.
- By Laura50
- Posted June 21, 2009 at 6:59 am
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I participated in an early lung cancer screening program in Atlanta last September. The spiral CT showed a very small suspicious spot which turned out to be Stage 1A lung cancer and I immediately had VATS to remove my ULL. There was no lymph node involvement and no chemo or radiation. My six month follow up CT showed NED. Prior to the study I had a chest xray which showed nothing and my surgeon says that's generally the case. So I not only firmly believe in early detection programs, I am convinced the program saved my life! Best of luck to you and I recommend searching for an early detection program in your area.
- By CareyG
- Posted June 21, 2009 at 2:07 am
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I'm concerned as well. Grandfather died of lung cancer, grandmother died of lung cancer, father diagnosed this month. I smoked for 12 years. The research right now shows no benefit to having regular screening for lung cancer, but I'm thinking more and more of maybe getting a chest x-ray with my physical each year.
I think the issue is that lung cancer grows so quickly, so yes, if you happen to catch it with that yearly x-ray when it's at a lower stage that's great, but what happens when it appears two months after your scan and it's still 10 months until your next one, ya know?
Carey
- By Marylou1
- Posted June 20, 2009 at 8:58 pm
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Since you were exposed to so much second hand smoke, at the very least...........please have your primary care physician send you for a chest xray every year, and perhaps a ct scan if he can get your insurance to provide it. Research any other options you may have to provide yourself with information and action you can take.
Early lung cancer has no symptoms. I had none, and an x ray saved my life.
Good Luck and God Bless,
Marylou
- By Farmerswife
- Posted June 20, 2009 at 6:07 pm
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Please see my recent discussions (2) which give information on 1) study for smokers or former smokers and 2) genetics study at Wayne State University. There is a phone number there.
Please help further the research on this terrible disease.
Susan
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