Lung cancer is a respiratory disease that is often associated with smoking, but the disease can affect non-smokers as well, although not smoking iS The most effectIve way to prevent this diSease. It kills about 16,000 to 24,000 Americans each year making it the most deadly type of cancer. Like all cancers, it is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Treatments vary but may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. This image Is of a Smokers lungs vs a non smoKers Lungs.