Lung Cancer Awareness Week and Month

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By Akindman

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women.

More people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. The best way to prevent lung cancer is not to smoke and to avoid people who do. There are people who have been diagnosed with cancer who have never smoked.  Unfortunately, it is not possible to prevent all cases of lung cancer.

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What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the lungs.  There are two types of lung cancer, non-small cell and small cell.  Non-small cell lung cancer grows and spreads slowly.  Small cell lung cancer grows more quickly and is more likely to spread to other organs in the body.

Risk Factors

• Smoking cigarettes, cigars and/or pipes
• Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) or Secondhand Smoke
• Radon exposure
• Asbestos exposure
• Continued exposure from diesel and other fossil fuels
• Lung diseases
• Family history

Symptoms

• Persistent cough that gets worse over time
• Constant chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness
• Repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis
• Swelling of the neck and face
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Fatigue

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See your doctor if you have any symptoms or notice unusual changes in your health.