Final answer:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer in North America, accounting for around 85% of all lung cancer cases. The primary cause of lung cancer is exposure to tobacco smoke, and while it is often diagnosed at a late stage, prevention and early detection are key to improving outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common type of lung cancer in North America is Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This category of lung cancers has several subtypes which include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Among these, adenocarcinoma is the most frequent subtype seen in US patients. NSCLC accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases and is associated less with smoking than small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
The main cause of lung cancer is exposure to tobacco smoke, which affects not just smokers but also non-smokers through secondhand smoke exposure. Preventive measures against smoking are crucial in reducing the incidence of this disease. Treatments for lung cancer often involve surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, although most cases cannot be cured due to late diagnosis.
Understanding the prevalence of NSCLC can assist in focusing public health efforts on prevention and early detection, which are currently the best defense against lung cancer's high mortality rate.