Q:   Does the rest of my family need to be screened for lung cancer?
A:   It depends. There is no known genetic link in lung cancer. But that doesn't mean one doesn't exist. Either way, there won't be a test until researchers find a genetic link. However, just by being related to you (a smoker who got lung cancer), your nonsmoking relatives have about a 2.4-fold increased risk of developing lung cancer. Discuss the matter with your health care professional.

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Q:   I've heard a lot about environmental tobacco smoke. What is it and what effect does it have on me?
A:   More simply put, it's second-hand smoke. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is the combination of two forms of smoke from burning tobacco products: sidestream smoke, or smoke that is emitted between the puffs of a burning cigarette, pipe or cigar; and mainstream smoke, or the smoke that is exhaled by the smoker. When a cigarette is smoked, about one-half of the smoke generated is sidestream smoke. This form of smoke contains essentially all of the same carcinogenic agents that have been identified in the mainstream smoke, but at greater levels. Researchers estimate that ETS causes about 3,000 lung cancer deaths each year.

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Q:   What can I do to help myself through lung cancer treatment?
A:   First, stay active. You may need periods of rest, but there's no need to stop doing the things you enjoy as long as you feel able to do them. Seeing other people and maintaining a social life are important. In general, anything you feel well enough to do is all right. This includes light activities (like housework or walking), sports and an active sexual life. You may be able to continue working full- or part-time. If you cannot work, it is important to stay involved in as many other activities as possible.

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