Did you know that there is a relationship between COPD and lung cancer? And that this relationship, according to a recent study in the European Respiratory Journal is independent of past smoking history?
In fact, COPD is estimated to affect between 40-70% of those who have lung cancer, and as Dr. Lynne Eldridge, our About.com's Guide to Lung Cancer puts it, "simply said, even if you have never touched a cigarette, but have lung cancer, there is a good chance you also have COPD." In addition, smokers with lung cancer are 6 times more likely to have COPD than those who do not have lung cancer and smoked just as much.
So, what does this mean for people who have COPD? For one thing, diseases like COPD seldom exist in a vacuum and those who have COPD may benefit from screening for other diseases, such as lung cancer and heart disease. And, since smoking is the number one cause of both COPD and lung cancer, quitting should be at the top of your priority list, if you have not already done so. Finally, talking with your healthcare provider about your concerns will help bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment of both COPD and lung cancer.
Read more about lung cancer:
Source:
Young, R. et al. COPD prevalence is increased in lung cancer independent of age, gender, and smoking history. The European Respiratory Journal. 2009. Feb 5. (Epub ahead of print).
