Recognize the Early Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer! Every two and a half minutes in the U.S. a person is diagnosed with lung cancer. This turned out to frighten 235,760 Americans, given that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide.
But thanks to advances in early detection methods, more Americans have survived lung cancer. Leading experts agree that early detection is still the best treatment and you will never be too early to check for symptoms now.
What Is Lung Cancer?
Cancer is a disease of the body in which harmful cells begin to grow out of control. Lung cancer is specifically rooted in the lungs and can quickly spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. This type of lung cancer usually starts in the bronchial cells that carry oxygen to your lungs after the throat.
Recognize the Early Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer: Who is Most At Risk?
With 1 in 16 people diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime, the disease is considered quite common.
Lung cancer actually kills almost 3 times more men than prostate cancer and 3 times more women than breast cancer.
It is slightly more common in men than in women, however, with very slight differences. According to the American Cancer Society, those who are 65 years of age or older are the most common to receive a diagnosis of lung cancer. There is also an increased risk for the African-American demographic with 15% more likely to develop the disease.
Recognize the Early Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors?
Various sources state that smoking is the main risk factor for all lung cancers and is responsible for 80% of deaths from lung cancer worldwide. Some people are exposed to harmful substances through inhalation in the working environment. Other contributing factors include:
– Exposure to radon gas– Passive smoking (Passive smoker)
– Asbestos inhalation– Air pollution– Diesel exhaust gases and fuels
– Toxic metals such as arsenic, chromium, and cadmium
How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?
There are three main ways to diagnose lung cancer. The first and most common is a CT scan that uses X-rays to visualize the internal structures of your body.
Computed tomography is excellent at detecting nodules and finding small tumors in the early stages. MRI scans can give similar results but with a less damaging impact on the body.
The next stage of testing includes a biopsy in which the needle is inserted into the affected area and the cells are samples for laboratory analysis. This practice is usually after a positive CT scan result.
Treatment System for Lung Cancer
As with most cancers, the method of treatment usually depends on the stage of cancer. Surgery is often performed as a last resort if cancer has spread to surrounding organs.
The best methods of treatment in most cases of early detection are chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This treatment option is essential to attack cancer cells and leave healthy cells intact and functioning. Patients may also be eligible to participate in clinical trials if available.
Recognize the Early Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer: How to Reduce the Risk of Lung Cancer?
1. Quit smoking
Of course, reducing smoking is the best way to reduce the risk of lung cancer. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in men and women worldwide. Quitting smoking will not only reduce the risk but also increase your lifespan.
2. Eat a balanced diet
With a lot of quality meat and vegetables. Focusing on strengthening the immune system by ridding the body of inflammation is a positive way to defend your body from cancer.
Omega 3 fatty acids found in certain fish such as salmon and sardines can help reduce inflammation in the body that causes cancer to develop.
What are the Stages of Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer can be divided into 4 stages based on how far the disease spreads when to diagnose it, and how significant it is.
1. Stage 0
Cancer has not spread from its place of origin and no symptoms are visible. Patients with this stage usually do not seek treatment because they do not know that they have cancer. Most cases go into remission after 1 year if known early on.
2. Stage 1
Cancer has spread from its original place but remains inside the lungs. 25% of all cases of lung cancer are in this stage and the survival rate is high.
3. Stage 2
Cancer has spread to surrounding tissues and lymph nodes on a small scale. The patient may appear healthy with no signs of illness if the cancer is detected early enough.
4. Stage 3
Cancer has spread to nearby tissues, organs, and lymph nodes and may be on one side only or both sides of the chest.
5. Stage 4
Cancer has spread to other organs and systems in the body such as the brain and bone marrow. At this stage of cancer lunch, unfortunately, death is very likely.
Get Screened For Lung Cancer Now
If you experience any symptoms of lung cancer, have ever smoked, or have a family history of lung cancer, you should consult a doctor for an examination.
To this day the best treatment for lung cancer is early detection which can have a dramatic impact on your survival from the disease.
That's the article Recognize the Early Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer. May it be useful!