November is lung cancer awareness month

November 4, 3:23 PMUS Headlines ExaminerCharisse Van Horn

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There are two types of lung cancers: non-small cell and small cell lung cancers. November is lung cancer awareness month and there have been 219,000 new cases of lung cancer and 159,390 deaths in the United States this year. Lung cancer treatment varies according to whether or not the cancer is small cell or non-small cell and researchers are continually searching for and implementing new approaches to lung cancer treatment.

In addition to diagnosed cases, heavy emphasis is placed on lung cancer prevention. One misconception regarding lung cancer is that you must smoke to get it This isn’t true and researchers have identified certain risk factors that may increase the chances of developing lung cancer. Additionally, there are protective factors, or factors that decrease a person’s chance of developing lung cancer. Researchers have also identified a gene that can increase the chances of developing lung cancer. Though it is important to avoid risk factors, some people develop lung cancer regardless of the preventive measures they take.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of deaths from cancer throughout the United States. It affects both men and women equally. Some risk factors include smoking, exposure to second hand smoke, exposure to carcinogens, such as asbestos, arsenic, and radon, air pollution, and soot. Studies have also showed that smokers who take beta carotene are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Some preventive methods include quitting smoking, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and avoiding cancer causing agents.

Symptoms of lung cancer include coughing that gets worse or doesn’t go away, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, feeling exhausted all the time or having very little energy, losing weight for unknown reasons, feeling continual pain in the chest, and having frequent lung infections. If you have any of these symptoms see your health care provider immediately.

Lung Cancer Alliance

 

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