A cancer diagnosis presents a life-changing event affecting the patient and their loved ones. Concerns and questions regarding how far the cancer has advanced, what effective treatment options are available, and the long-term prognosis for the type of cancer diagnosed are serious considerations every patient has to make. Following a cancer diagnosis it is crucial for a patient to develop a close, honest relationship with their doctor to thoroughly understand the disease and its treatment options as well as evaluate as a team what approach is most appropriate given the circumstances.Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for both men and women. Although there is no known way of fully preventing lung cancer from developing, there are preventative methods that can be incorporated into an individual's daily lifestyle and may reduce the probability of developing lung cancer. Survival rates for lung cancer patients are low with those diagnosed at earlier stages having the best chance at full recovery. Given that symptoms are not noticeable until later stages of the disease, it is rarely discovered in its earlier stages when treatment is most effective.Patients experiencing symptoms indicative of lung cancer, especially those who smoke, should promptly contact their doctor. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing up blood, unintended weight loss, and the onset of a persistent cough. While some risks associated with lung cancer are preventable, other factors are not. Risk factors such as smoking, excessive drinking of Alcoholic Beverages, or exposure to cancer-causing agents in the environment are all controllable risk factors, compared with a family history of cancer that cannot be controlled by the patient. Following a physical examination and review of medical history, a doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause of an individual's symptoms including x-rays, CT scans, and tissue biopsy. If a diagnosis of lung cancer is made the doctor and patient need to evaluate how to most efficiently treat it according to individual preferences, overall health, and how advanced the disease is.