Lung Cancer: The Top Facts You Need to Know Right Now
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that grows in the lungs. It is the third most common type of cancer that affects millions of people worldwide. You can find the best oncologists in any best hospital in Mumbai for cancer treatment in India, or elsewhere to get the proper consultation, diagnosis, and treatment. Continue reading this article to learn several facts about this fatal disease.
Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer
People with early lung cancer rarely show symptoms, as most lung cancers do not manifest symptoms until they have spread. For patients diagnosed with lung cancer at an early stage, the treatment is more likely to be effective. These symptoms can be caused by something other than lung cancer as well. If you show any of the following symptoms, you immediately need to consult a doctor.
- A cough that gets worse with passing time
- Rust-colored blood spectrum while coughing
- Chest pain while breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Feeling of weakness
- Shortness of breath
If lung cancer spreads to the other parts of the body, it might show the below symptoms:
- Pain in back and hip
- Changes in the nervous system
- Pale skin and eyes
- Swelling in lymph nodes
Smoking Is the Leading Cause of Lung Cancer
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, which causes 80-90 percent of deaths among men and women. If you have been smoking for a long time, there is a 25 percent higher risk of developing this cancer than people who never smoke.
Quitting smoking at the earliest will help improve your circulation, and your lungs will work better than before. Quitting smoking will indeed reduce your risk, even if you have smoked for many years.
Non-Smokers Can Also Get Lung Cancer
Around 15-20 percent of lung cancer cases occur in non-smokers as well. Several factors can trigger this cancer. These factors include exposure to radon gasses, second-hand smoke, air pollution, and gene mutation.
Antioxidant Supplements Will Not Protect You
Various studies have proved that antioxidant supplements like beta-carotene are not safe. Smokers who take these supplements are at an increased risk of lung cancer. However, it is good to get antioxidants from fruits and vegetables.
Talcum Powder Is a Cause
It has been proven that no link exists between accidental inhalation of talcum powder and lung cancer. However, people who work at chemical factories are more likely to get lung cancer.
Regular Exercise Is Important to Reduce Risks
People who do daily physical activities may be less likely to get lung cancer. Doing breathing exercises and other body workouts can help your lungs work better and prevent chronic diseases. Lead a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise routine.
Air Pollution Is Also a Cause
Tobacco is the most significant cause of lung cancer, but air pollution is a risk factor, too. People living in areas where the air is more polluted are more likely to get this type of cancer than those who live in a cleaner zone.
CT Screening Can Save Life
A low-dose CT scan is the only proven and effective way to detect your lung cancer at an early stage. However, an X-ray cannot detect lung cancer in the early stage.
Few Signs Can Lead to Early Diagnosis
There are a few signs that can lead to early diagnosis. These signs include chronic cough, shortness of breath, blood while coughing, chest pain followed by bone pain, and unexpected weight loss. If you find any of these signs, consult a doctor at the earliest.
Different Types of Lung Cancers
There are several types of lung cancer, including Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), mesothelioma, and carcinoid tumor.
NSCLC is the most common type, which makes up 75-80 percent of lung cancers. SCLC makes up 12-15 percent of lung cancer. This cancer proliferates and can spread to other parts of the body. On the other hand, mesothelioma can develop in the lungs, abdomen, heart, or chest. Carcinoid tumors can originate in the lungs and small intestine.
Targeted Therapies
If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, talk to your doctor in any cancer hospital in Mumbai and ask about different therapies and treatment options available to treat your lung cancer. It is never too late to discuss everything with your doctor. Nowadays, these advanced targeted therapies can do wonders in treating lung cancer. The doctor would decide the right combination of treatment depending on various factors like the patient’s age, stage of cancer, patient’s health condition, and other such things.
We hope these facts would have enlightened you about lung cancer, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. If you happen to be experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Consult a doctor and get the required tests done to get timely treatment.