To the editor:

There is another cancer. A cancer that is so deadly it kills more people than breast, colon, prostate and kidney cancer combined. It kills nearly twice as many women every year than breast cancer. Around the world it annually effects millions of victims and their loved ones.

Yet, we don't hear about this awful cancer very often. How strange. Especially since it is the number one cancer killer in America. So, why don't we know more about it? The answer - it's because so many people view it as the "Shame on you!" cancer.

We don't want to talk about it. We shun it.

Well, this cancer is real. Only 15 percent of its victims have a five-year survival rate. Of that number, 10 percent might make it to 10 years. After that, there are no statistics. Moreover, this cancer and its treatment ravishes its victims so thoroughly that survivors must tolerate an altered lifestyle and weakened physical skills for the rest of their lives.

Lung cancer.

Know the most common symptoms. See your doctor immediately if you are experiencing:

• Coughing

• Shortness of breath

• Wheezing

• Pain in chest, shoulder, upper back

• Coughing up blood

• Hoarseness

November is lung cancer month. For more information, contact the Lung Cancer Alliance or call: 1-800-298-2436.

Ellen West Lilja, 9-year lung cancer survivor, Albany