Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer-deaths in the world. Often, the assumption is that lung cancer is specifically a “smoker’s disease” and if we don’t smoke, we are safe. Actually lung cancer can affect anyone and there are other risks besides smoking that can lead to lung cancer. This form of cancer happens when cells in the lungs mutate. That means they change in an abnormal way. This change happens when lung cells are exposed to toxins by breathing in dangerous particles. Knowing your risk-factors and early signs of lung cancer can be the best way to prevent and treat lung cancer.
According to the American Lung Association, there are 5 risk factors for lung cancer:
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- Smoking (You probably knew this one): Smoking causes an estimated 90% of lung cancer cases. Smokers are at greatest risk, and quitting smoking is the best way to decrease the risk of lung cancer. If you’ve quit smoking, your risk decreases, but it is still important to tell your doctor that you were a past smoker.
- Radon Exposure: Radon is a colorless, tasteless odorless gas that naturally occurs in soil. It can seep up into homes and other buildings and build up to toxic levels. 1 in every 15 homes in the U.S. is subject to radon exposure, according to the American Lung Association. You can purchase a radon test kit at most hardware stores to check the radon levels in your home.
- Air Pollution: This can range from wildfire smoke and car exhaust particles, to hazardous chemicals like asbestos, cadmium, nickel, uranium, etc. Check your local air quality control to see if the air is safe enough for you to be outdoors. Never start a home renovation project without first making sure the materials in your home are free of toxic chemicals. If you may be encountering toxic chemicals in your workplace, talk to your employer and your doctor about how you can protect yourself.
- Secondhand Smoke: Exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to lung cancer. You can avoid group settings where people are smoking such as outdoor dining, break areas, etc. You can also ask people to refrain from smoking in or around your home and car.
- Genes: If someone in your family has had lung cancer, you may be at a greater risk of also developing it. Share family disease/illness history with your doctor.
If you have any of these risk factors, your doctor can advise you if a lung cancer screening is right for you.
Knowing the early signs of lung cancer are important, too. Your lungs have very few nerve endings which means you might not feel pain or discomfort from early cancer growth. The sooner you recognize symptoms, the sooner you can share them with your doctor and begin treatment. According to the American Lung Association, signs of lung cancer include:
- A lingering cough that gets worse over time
- Hoarseness
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Chronic chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Frequent lung infections like bronchitis or pneumonia
Other signs to watch for include weight loss, headaches, loss of appetite, bone pain/fractures, and/or blot clots. These could indicate that the cancer is spreading to other parts of the body.
Lung cancer can go undetected for a while. Learning the risks and symptoms will guide you in protecting your lungs and being on guard for early detection. If you believe you are experiencing any of these symptoms don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. You are the best advocate for your health. Your proactive steps could save your life. Be well in the fight for healthy lungs.
DISCLAIMER : This article contains information that is intended to help the readers be better informed regarding exercise and health care. It is presented as general advice on health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs. Before beginning any new exercise program it is recommended that you seek medical advice from your personal physician. This article is not intended to be a substitute for the medical advice of a licensed physician. The reader should consult with their doctor in any matters relating to his/her health.
