LUNG-CANCER AND CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY-DISEASE

Lung cancer is the most common fatal malignancy in both men and women. Lung cancer is found in all stages df chronic obstructive pulmonary d isease (COPD), including mild to moderate degrees of airflow obstructi on. Thus, simple spirometric measurements of airflow, that is, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)), and the ratio of the FEV(1) to the forced vital capacity will identify patients at highest risk of l ung cancer, particularly if they are smokers. Lung cancer is seven tim es more common when airflow obstruction is present than when airflow i s normal. The spirometer not only identifies the fact of airflow obstr uction but serves as a surrogate marker for deaths from all causes, in cluding lung cancer, heart attack, and stroke. Early identification an d intervention are the keys to altering the courses of both lung cance r and COPD and reducing the risk of associated disease states.