Lung Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both the lungs. While normal lung tissue cells reproduce and develop into healthy lung tissue, these abnormal cells reproduce rapidly and never grow into normal lung tissue. Lumps of cancer cells (tumors) then form and disturb the lung, making it difficult to work properly.

There are two major types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSLC). Sometimes a lung cancer can have characteristics of both types, which is known as mixed small cell/large cell carcinoma.

The American Lung Association^® is working toward improving the lives of those diagnosed with lung cancer through our work in education, research support and by providing help with treatment options through the NexCura Profiler™. In addition, our tobacco advocacy agenda helps prevent lung cancer by actively promoting efforts to help smokers quit, prevent people from starting to smoke and protect everyone from secondhand smoke.