On average, a person takes approximately 17,000-23,000 breaths a day. The number varies based on several factors, including a person’s lifestyle and environment. 

This statistic proves just how important the lungs are. You are constantly using them to fuel the rest of your body.

Lungs act at the first point of contact for oxygen as it enters the body. From there, oxygen is dispersed throughout the bloodstream, being carried to cells throughout the body. Each cell transfers carbon dioxide when it receives oxygen. The blood carries the carbon dioxide back to the lungs where it is removed through exhaling. This gas exchange is necessary for everyday functioning.

In order to keep this process going, it’s crucial to keep your lungs healthy. Lung-related health complications can negatively affect the oxygen flow to your cells, along with a variety of other body processes. These ailments vary from viruses and colds to chronic conditions and lifelong sickness and cancer. Certain lung conditions can be hereditary, or caused by genetics. Such conditions include asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

However, certain lung conditions are non-inheritable; that is, caused by environmental and lifestyle factors. While not always 100% preventable, these conditions can be avoided.

Life as I knew it changed very drastically in 2005. Not once, but twice. 

In August 2005, I gave birth to my beautiful daughter, Lily Rose. She was a true blessing, and my husband Cameron and I could not have been more excited. Three months in, we were still learning the ropes of parenthood; so excited and so blessed. The only problem was that I felt absolutely awful. I was losing weight, I couldn’t breathe... I knew something was wrong.

In November of 2005, I got my diagnosis: mesothelioma. Malignant pleural mesothelioma, to be specific. My husband saw the terror in my eyes when the words came from the doctor's mouth. From researching online, you can quickly find out that the prognosis of mesothelioma is grim. Most patients are given about 15 months to live after diagnosis. I knew that I couldn’t be a part of that statistic. I needed to beat this.

When it comes to toxic exposure, radon is something that is often overlooked; even though it's a known carcinogen.

A recent report has indicated that the number-one growing cancer, rising fastest among 24-year-old individuals, is lung cancer... but not from smoking.

Dr. Friedman and Kim discuss a new study about carbs and lung cancer, as well as dangers of touch-free bathroom hand dryers.

What should you know about lung cancer in women?

How can radon be detected?

The early symptoms of lung cancer may be a slight cough or shortness of breath, depending on which part of the lung is affected.

Listen in as Pam and Michelle answer your personal health questions.

How does the CimaVax vaccine for lung cancer work, and what's unique about it?

More people in the U.S. die from lung cancer than any other cancer.

Did you know that if 49 out of 100 test subjects are affected by a product, it can still be labeled "toxic-free"? Doesn't sound very safe, does it?

E-Cigarette sales are exploding while advocates and opponents are passionately debating how society should respond.

Exposure to phthalate chemicals is so rampant these days, evidence can be found in your urine, blood and even breast milk.

Did you know that the physical withdrawals of quitting smoking truly will go away after a few days? You can get through this.

Do you know what's in the products you're using to clean your home and workspace?

Coppertone, Jergens and Clarins are a few brand name sunless tanners that actually work. But are they safe?

Although this new technology seems like a safer alternative to smoking tobacco, is it really just "harmless water vapor"?

Dr. Carl Helvie shares how he was able to tap into both his mind and spirit to overcome cancer.

Thirty-eight years ago, Dr. Carl Helvie was told he had terminal lung cancer. He decided to take things into his own hands.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Understanding risk factors and symptoms can help you make a more informed treatment decision.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the US. Understanding lung cancer risk factors and symptoms can help you make a more informed treatment decision.

Even though it contradicts conventional thinking, the facts are undeniable: cancer surgery can increase the risk of metastasis.